{muse of the moment} rosie huntington-whiteley for the edit

Striped bikini tops paired with graphic skirts. Sky-high sandals coupled with bikini briefs and knotted tops. Retro swimsuits and tousled boho waves. The May 16, 2013 issue of Net-A-Porter's The Edit served as the perfect form of escapism for the Francophile courtesy of the Riviera Chic cover story starring Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. After all, who could resist a fashion excursion to the South of France?

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{fashion folio} structured bohemian

DITA Condor Aviator Sunglasses in Dark Brown + Madewell Perfect Leather Belt in Pecan + Diane von Furstenberg Eva Colorblock Bag in Apricot / Chalk / Grey Fog + Current / Elliott The Freshman Tee in Dirty White + Jules Smith Boyfriend Bangle in Yellow Gold + Gorjana Mia Bangle in Gold + Sam Edelman Gabrianna Ankle Cuff Sandals in Saddle + Rag & Bone/JEAN Mila Shorts in Tattered Arctic
Check the fringe at the door. While your printed boxy tee, summer-essential cutoff denim shorts, and embellished sandals play the part of boho bliss perfectly; the unexpected addition of a structured satchel {corresponding colors a must} play up sophistication. A pecan-hued leather belt coupled with simple gold bangles, and a pair of aviators {tuck them into the front of your shirt for an effortlessly cool vibe} serve as your accessories du jour. Just add beachy waves and you're good to go.

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{beauty board} citrus sizzle

Sizzle this summer with hints of citrus on
your lips,lids, skin, and nails!

{1} SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Eyeshadow in N. 5 Banana Split and N. 6 Apple Mojito
{2} bliss 'Fabulips' Glossy Balm in Citrus Mint + SEPHORA COLLECTION Super Shimmer Lip Gloss in Citron
{3} Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in Fierce N Tangy + Go Go Green + Orange Fix
{4} Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Orange Sapphire
{5} Bath & Body Works Intense Moisture Body Butter in Coconut Lime Breeze

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NOTD: Candie's Nail Polish in Orange Pop

Two coats of Candie’s Smooth Nail Polish in Orange Pop. Juicy Melon / Cantaloupe.

Remember a few weeks ago when I introduced you to ELLE Magazine’s ELLE COSMETICS nail polish line via On Location? Well…Candie’s is another fashion-based company that now has its own nail polish line {available exclusively at Kohl’s} and it is full of pretty colors and amazing formulas.

I’m not one for orange nail shades {pastels are my preference}, but I found Orange Pop appealing because it featured more peach/pink undertones {as opposed to red which rarely works on my skintone}.

The formula of Orange Pop is consistent for each coat – streak-free and buildable opacity. This is such a fun shade for summer {for fingers or toes!} and is perfect if you, like me, want an orange that isn’t electrifyingly bright but still bubbly and noticeable for the warmer months!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday {on a Tuesday}?

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

x

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FTC Disclosure: This product was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

{muse of the moment} alessandra ambrosio x coachella

My personal style doesn't necessarily fit the Coachella, free-spirited festival vibe but Alessandra Ambrosio...! Year in and year out she kills it with her oversized floppy hats; flirty fringe; flippy skirts; and tousled tresses {not to mention the neverending rotation of incredible boots of the ankle and knee-high variety}. But this look. This look says. it. all. Cutoff neon denim, friendship bracelet-esque arm party, mirrored sunnies, a tiny peek of toned tummy, ever-chic headscarf, and, lest we forget, the essential accessory for any warm weather holiday...a popsicle. Festival-friendly, summer-ready, and oh so perfect for Memorial Day Weekend.

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{beauty board} date-perfect hair + makeup

You've snagged the date, now score perfect hair and makeup for
the occasion. Whether you're headed to a daytime ballgame, or set to salsa the night away,
these looks have you covered; and will give you more time to focus on other
essentials - like what you'll be wearing.

daytime romance

Daytime dates are my undoing. Though they oftentimes usually lack the high drama and sophistication of evening affairs; they tend always to hold the promise of childlike innocence. Picnics in the park, days at the fair, late-afternoon museum visits…activities which call for low-key hair and makeup that is easy to maintain from sun-up to sundown, and utterly enchanting - in a delicate and dreamy sort of way. Here’s one of my favorites.

first blush There is nothing so disarming and romantic as the Après-ski look – the natural rosy flush created by being out in the cold all day; thus the reason it is one of my go-tos for daytime dates. Simply take a soft pink powder blush {I love Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush}, and swirl it on the apples of your cheeks for a fabulously flushed look {no arctic temperatures required}.

twinkling eyes I am the biggest advocate of smoldering eye makeup; but for daytime dates, a soft shimmer is all you need to truly captivate your date du jour. Maybelline's ExpertWear Luminous Lights Eyeshadow Quad in Opal Lights is a must. The pastel pink, yellow, blue, and brown shades included create a fairytale-like prismatic effect that manages to be glamorous yet extremely natural at the same time.

soft waves Princess hair. That is exactly what smooth, shiny, loose, soft waves are reminiscent of - the hair of Disney princesses. That fact aside, soft waves are incredibly versatile as they look incredible framing your face, or swinging flirtily ponytail style. Sultra's The Bombshell 3/4 Inch is my current beauty tool BFF, as it makes waves in minutes and keeps hair looking shiny. Total win-win in my book.

pink pout When it comes to daytime date lipstick, it's all about staying true to the saying your lips, but better. Go for a color along the pink / nude / rose spectrum {I'm a big fan of BECCA's Ultimate Matte Colour in Eloise} that is, essentially, your natural color magnified. It's noticeable yet unfussy and works so well at brightening up your entire face.

va-va-volume What are soft waves without the bubbly bounce seen in hair commercials? Seriously in-com-plete. After you've curled your hair, spritz Oscar Blandi's Texture & Volume Spray {this stuff is incredible. Trust.} throughout for saucy volume that lasts. all. day.

date night

A kiss of glamour is not an option when date night is involved…it’s an essential. Even if you’re headed somewhere as unfussy as a bowling alley for your Friday night frolic {one of my personal favorite evening date activities}, smolder, gloss, and sass in your hair and makeup will amp up the atmosphere, making you feel as if you’re in attendance at the Met Gala {even if you’re wearing rented shoes}. Here’s one of my {glam} date night go-tos. After all…when the sun sets, high drama rises.

extreme lashes The best way to flirt? With your eyes, of course! Thus, feathery, fluttering, extreme lashes are. a. must. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara in Very Black is my current can’t-live-without. Use the tip of the mascara wand to paint your lashes, then use the side of the wand to wiggle from the base to the tips of lashes for dramatic definition {two coats}. Hint: Focus attention on the lashes on the outer corner of the eyes {it creates an intense false lash, fanned-out look}.

shine, shine, shine! Super shiny tresses are an ultra-luxe {and incredibly low-key} way to add life to your locks – and give you commercial-worthy hair. I like Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray from Garnier Fructis because it’s inexpensive; it smells amazing; and it’s completely non-greasy, so you always get high, healthy shine {as opposed to seriously unwanted greasy shine}.

berry lips Berry is your BFF for date nights. It is the perfect balance between red {which can be seen as too strong and powerful}, and pinky / nudes {which are playful and more suited for daytime dates}. Opt for a sheer berry shade with a {subtle} glossy finish {I favor Tarte’s LipSurgence Lip Luster in Pouty}. The color gives you that just-bit-into-a-strawberry pigmentation; while the hint of gloss creates enough shine to attract attention to your pout, without turning off your date {boys are never a fan of kissing that so-called glossy sticky stuff}.

high-drama eyes Your lashes are your primary focus for date night {after all, they do the flirting for you}; nevertheless you want to make the most of your glamorous gaze, so go for sultry with a smoked out jewel-tone {I highly recommend Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24HR Eyeshadow in Painted Purple} worn all over the lids {deepen the color at the outer edge of your eyes, and pull it down to the outer corners of your lower lashline to create a feline effect} for the ultimate in high drama.

major volume Sleek shine is unstoppable; but even more so when coupled with volume, volume, and more volume. Before glossing your locks, create big bounce by blow-drying your hair with a round brush {you need Drybar’s Half Pint Small Round Brush in your hair tool arsenal} for major volume that will leave you with tresses that impress.

xoxox

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flowers in her hair

"She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes."

Arundhati Roy

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair..."

Susan Polis Shutz

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toes + soles

Up the glam effect of your pedi by pairing it
with seriously sophisticated, cool, luxe... {insert your favorite adjective here}
sandals that will kick your summer style into high gear!

Clockwise from top.
Sam & Libby Kylie Strappy Thong Sandal in Multicolor + American Apparel Neon Nail Polish in Neon Yellow

Ancient Greek Sandals Alethea Flat Sandals in Blue Mix Marine + Essie Bouncer, It's Me

Sam Edelman Gabrianna Ankle Cuff Sandals in Camel + Zoya Nail Polish in Arizona

Jean-Michel Cazabat Talasa Flat Sandals in Fuxia + Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream

See by Chloe Tubular Flat Sandals in Fuxia + Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Radiate

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{fashion folio} beach escape

Escape to the beach in summer-fied style with ocean and sunset-inspired hues
in blues, corals, hot pinks, jade and mint greens, and lavenders!

Clockwise from top right.

♥GRACE Woven Cowboy Hat in Beige
♥ZIMMERMANN Oasis Floral-Print Cotton and Silk-Blend Playsuit
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs Rubber Standard Supply Bracelet in Lilac
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs Rubber Standard Supply Bracelet in Glacial Blue
♥CAMILLA Violet Eyes One Piece Swimsuit in Violet Eyes
♥Bensimon Tennis Elastic Sneakers in Fuchsia
♥SHIMMI Stella Bandeau Bikini
♥Kenneth Jay Lane Beaded Bracelet in Coral
♥Havaianas Slim Royal Flip Flops in Acqua
♥Chan Luu Beaded Charm Necklace in Neon Pink Combo

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IRMASWORLD {caseable review}

I have an unhealthy obsession with fashion illustration.
Bella Pilar, Izak Zenou...they've both been on my love list
for more years than I can count. So when caseable offered me the
chance to review one of their cases, I zoomed in on IRMA in
0.2 seconds flat and never looked back.

I contemplated IRMA in New York; gushed over the
supreme cuteness of IRMAS Little Things; and ultimately settled on
IRMA in Noshima due to the fact that it portrayed
adorable IRMA {looking oh-so chic} lying in bed with a kitty by her side
{essentially the story of my life}.

This case? seriously. in. love.
The colors are vibrant and perfectly brighten up
the playfulness of the image; which itself {IMO} tells a little tale
all its own.

This is the first case I have ever used that features a snap-on aesthetic
as opposed to a slip-on; however, I've found that it provides the same amount of
protection; and seriously simple access to all of my iPhone 4S' ports
and buttons.

If you're a fan of fashion illustration you will absolutely adore this.

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FTC Disclosure: This product was provided to me for review by Caseable. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

{beauty board} lift those locks!

Score va-va voom tresses with these 5 products guaranteed
to lift locks and restore life to limp strands.

1} Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Thickening & Strengthening Mousse A teeny tiny dollop inflates hair {in all the right places} giving you a full, thick feel. Want more lift? Style with a round brush and blowdryer after application.

2} Ojon Volume Advance Thickening Spray 8 - 10 spritzes pumps up the volume of flat hair, while adding touchable, bouncy texture and shine!

3} Bumble and bumble. Thickening Full Form Mousse Towel-dry hair, run a wide-tooth comb through, rub a quarter-size amount on your roots, blow dry, and voila! Perfect, straight-from-the-salon volume. Bonus: Massage a nickel-sized amount into roots, and finger comb to create volumized updos on dry hair or second-day strands.

4} Living Proof 'Full' Body Boosting Root Lifting Spray for All Hair Types Effortlessly lifts hair at the roots, and keeps it looking beauty queen beautiful {never frizzy} in rain, shine, or the dreaded by hair the world over...humidity!

5} ALTERNA Bamboo Volume Uplifting Root Blast 3 - 4 sprays coupled with a few mosh-worthy back and forth hair flips creates an insane amount of volume for days {yes, days}. Bonus: Out of dry shampoo? No problem. This product is just as effective at absorbing oil and giving lift.

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FTC Disclosure: Oscar Blandi's Hair Lift Thickening & Strengthening Mousse was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

NOTD: Essie Cascade Cool

Two coats of Essie Cascade Cool. A Creamy, Sweet Dusty Pink.

I feel as if I’m on a never-ending hunt for the perfect Barbie pink {as are a number of my friends}, but the search is over because this. is. it.

Lighter than Revlon's Flirt, and more pink-toned than mark's Cupcake, Cascade Cool is a blue-based pink that morphs seamlessly from spring-perfect pastel to beach-ready bright.

Like Bikini So Teeny {its collection sibling}, application for Cascade Cool was incredible - two perfectly opaque coats with no streaking, no pooling, and no bubbling. This color earned me countless inquiries from strangers - definitely a conversation-starter.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

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{beauty board} ballerina nails

Let your fingers do the dancing with elegant nail colors
inspired by the beauty of ballet.

Clockwise from left.

♥Layla Caviar Effect Nail Polish in Ballet
♥Essie Ballet Slippers
♥ELLE Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Tutu
♥Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in 167 Ballerina
♥Forever 21 Ballet Shoes Nail Polish
♥Rescue Beauty Lounge Plie
♥NARS Arabesque
♥OPI My Pointe Exactly
♥Venique Nail Lacquer Pointe to Ballet
♥SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour Let's Plie

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get fit fashion {albionfit review + giveaway}!

Not a single day goes by where I don't dance or workout {usually both},
so, while I do love my heels and skinny jeans, I tend to incorporate
fitnesswear into my daily wardrobe - yoga pants, fitted racerbacks, lightweight
off-the-shoulder tops; thus, when I'm shopping for workout clothing,
I try to make cute choices that allow me to show off both sides of my personality...
the fashionista and the dancer / semi-fitness freak lover.
So my introduction to ALBION, a company that specializes in women's
fitness and swimwear, has been all sorts of epic.

ALBION manages to bridge the gap between sporty and chic, delivering a
wide array of colors {ballet pink, anyone?} and styles that look
just as glam in a dance studio or at the gym, as they do at a chic
bistro for Sunday brunch.

I was lucky enough to receive the 26.2 Jacket in Coral {P.S. gorgeous color},
and in the last week alone, it has been styled as the topper for my leotard
{ballet}; kept me looking long and lean during countless cardio sessions;
and served as my stylish cha cha partner. The slim fit is
ultra-flattering; but what I love the most is the bright color and
resiliency which makes movement incredibly comfortable.

And now for what I think all of you will love...the chance to
win a 26.2 Jacket of your own!

Cafe Fashionista has partnered with ALBION to bring one {1} lucky
reader their own 26.2 Jacket {in Coral, White, Teal, or Black} -
a $98.00 Value!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck everyone!

In the meantime...if you want to do a little shopping, now through 5/22/13,
save $15.00 on all orders of $50.00 or more with
coupon code CAFEFASHIONISTA15.

x

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FTC Disclosure: This product was provided to me for review by ALBION. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

kick-start your summer with keds!

I don't think it's possible to get more All-American than Keds.
They are, essentially, the footwear version of Apple Pie. And, like apple pie,
they basically go with everything - especially during
the spring / summer months {mine tend to spend
a lot of time hanging out with cutoff denim shorts,
simple dresses, and cotton rompers}.
So, of course, the new Champion Summer collection, has left me
a bit obsessed. After all, Memorial Day is a week away,
and each and every one of these styles would be so. perfect
to celebrate in!

Champion Summer {clockwise from top}: Champion Summer in Lavender + Champion Summer in Light Yellow + Champion Summer in Cherry Pink + Champion Summer in Cloud Blue + Champion Summer in Peach + Champion Summer in Lemon Lime

Are you a fan of Keds? Which color would you wear for Memorial Day?

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{fashion folio} bohemian beach

Ancient Greek Sandals Alethea Flat Sandals in Natural + Citrine By the Stones Varo Ring + Melissa Odabash Coleene Knitted Cotton-Blend Top + Essie Sand Tropez + Wouters & Hendrix 14 Stack Bracelet Set in Gold / Horn + Gucci Snake-Print Triangle Bikini
The sandy shore of the beach is just as much a catwalk come summertime as it is a location for catching a few rays. As such, it requires C-H-I-C. Chic. We’re talking fringe, tatters, and sandy hues a la a knit top that allows your swimsuit to peek through, with a hemline that hits just below the bum to show off a little leg. Think Brooke Shields as Emmeline Lestrange in Blue Lagoon.

Keep the earthy, beachy vibe going with a neutral suit in a subtle print {snakeskin is my go to}, coupled with strappy, crisscross flat sandals {in Natural, of course}. A hodgepodge of stackable bracelets ranging from gold to horn hues paired with a chunky, conversation-worthy asymmetrical ring boost the bohemian factor of your look; while a nude polish on tips and toes serves as the perfect finishing touch to your sandy style.

SHOP THE POST

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there's a {fashion + beauty} app for that!

My iPhone? Yeah, it basically never. leaves. my. side.
We're talking take-it-everywhere-I-go-and-
sneak-peeks-at-the-screen-as-often-as-possible status here.
One of the main reasons I have such a strong connection to
my phone {http://www.phones4u.co.uk/}?
Apps.

Instagram is my virtual home-away-from-home; Twitter
is like my lifeline; and Facebook? Not gonna lie...
I check it daily. But some of my favorite apps fall into the category of
fashion and beauty {no surprise there, right?}.
And...I'm about to introduce you to them.
You. Will. Love. Trust.

BERGDORF GOODMAN Today's Shoe App

POSE Fashion + Beauty App

MANI DIARIES Nail App

STYLEBOOK Closet + Wardrobe Fashion App

FOREVER 21 Shopping + Fashion App

What are some of your favorite fashion + beauty apps?

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FTC Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with phones4u. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

NOTD: ELLE COSMETICS Nail Lacquer in On Location

Two coats of ELLE COSMETICS Nail Lacquer On Location. Light Blue with {subtle} Iridescent Shimmer.

Yes. ELLE Magazine has a cosmetics line {available exclusively at Kohl’s and it. is. awesome.

Like Essie Bikini So Teeny, On Location is one of those shades that is subtle yet striking {being both pastel and super bright}, but that’s basically where the similarities end.

On Location is a lighter blue that features this incredible pink / blue iridescent shimmer that is only discernible in sunlight, but is so, so, so, so pretty and fantastically unique.

While I used two coats to ensure coverage, the opacity was perfect with just one {if you have a heavy-hand when applying, you could definitely get away with one coat}. I am so impressed with the quality of this lacquer line – definitely picking up more shades!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday {on a Tuesday}?

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

x

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FTC Disclosure: This product was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

pine cone hill, please! {yvonne estelle's giveaway}

As promised on Saturday {when I introduced you to my blissful
lounge buddy}, today I am here to announce that...

Cafe Fashionista has partnered with the obsession-worthy
style for the home shop Yvonne Estelle's to bring
one {1} ultra-lucky reader the Pine Cone Hill Sheepy Fleece
Coral Robe {Retail Value: $84.00} {a lounge-like accoutrement
that you will literally want. to. live. in.
Trust.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Good luck everyone!

x

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meet me at the met {ashley greene's met ball makeup look}

Truth: The Met Ball is basically the only Gala of
the year that I get excited about so I always pay very. close. attention
to the makeup and fashion.

This year, while I loved Ashley Greene's Marchesa gown, it was
her fierce makeup that caught my eye - a look that would be
just as perfect for a sassy Girls Night Out as it was for the
PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibit. And mark
has provided me with the deets from Celebrity Makeup Artist
Vanessa Scali to recreate it for such an occasion.

FACE + CHEEKS: "I started by prepping Ashley’s skin with mark For Goodness Face Antioxidant Skin Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. I used my fingers to apply {by patting} concealer under the eyes. Then I applied mark Just Pinched in Nude onto her cheeks to add subtle warmth to her skin {Ashley just returned from a trip, so her skin is already sun-kissed and golden!}. I added mark Glowdacious Illiuminating Powder on the peak of her cheekbones. I set the look with mark Matte-Nificent Oil-Absorbing Powder.”

EYES: “I layered Ashley’s eyes with color by starting with the dark shade from mark Keep it Going Longwear Eyeliner & Shadow in Entourage. I applied it from the base of the lash up past the natural crease and out past the natural corner of the eye. This gave me depth to work with and established the shade for the eye. Then, I used the purple and taupe shades from mark On the Dot Bold Eye Color Compact to add color to the center of the eye and softness to the edges. I added a mix of the three colours under her bottom lashes. For extra intensity, I used mark No Place to Run Longwear Eyeliner in Jet Set and smudged it into the shadow. I applied mark Color Me in Eye Crayon in Go Gold inside the waterline of her eye and added a touch of highlighter to the brown bone. I added the final touch to her eyes by applying a few layers of mark Lash All You Want High-Volume Mascara in Black.”

LIPS: “To finish Ashley’s look, I gave her a soft, satin nude lip by using NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Biscayne Park.”

BROWS: “I complemented her brows’ shape by applying NARS Eyebrow Pencil in Jodhpur.”

What do you think of Ashley's Met Ball makeup? Is this a look that you would try for a special occasion or Girls' Night Out?

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{picture via}
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NOTE: All quoted commentary included is from Vanessa Scali as provided by mark.