carmella

Lovers + Friends Carmella Romper in IVORY.

So necessary for summer adventures and exotic getaways!

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {march 3, 2016 edition}

Spring is still a few weeks away, but for those of you already basking in warmer weather, it’s hard to hold back the reigns on the Spring wardrobe. And oh the disappointment when winter crashes back again after a few days {weeks} of teaser weather.

While many of this week’s posts focus on softer color palettes, mini skirts, and off-the-shoulder looks, IFB Bloggers are also sharing the best ways to dress in all black. Also prevalent is denim in double duty—when a fashion no-no feels oh-so-right.

There are also some plus size petite bloggers to meet, lessons in catwalk hair, sage advice on creating a minimal wardrobe, a taste of the Oscar’s, and Gucci. One blogger posted using Medium this week. Has anyone else used this medium to put their ideas out there? Very interesting. Check it out. Entertainment reviews were also a favorite. Take your pick… music, film, or a book—such a combination of posts this week.

So, for those of you still in the thick of winter, put on some warm weather music and read through the travel posts from this go around. They have you visiting Lantau Island and Africa.

Links a la Mode, March 3

• Al Balsam: The Blue Jean
• Alive as Always: Mix It Up a Notch | Navy Printed Dress
• Attire Club: The Best Dressed Men of the 2016 Oscars
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: March Crush List
• Cubicle Chic: Loop Giveaways on Instagram | I Hosted One and Here’s What I Learned
• Elements of Ellis: Double Denim
• Everest Says: Black Out | How to Wear Black
• Everyday Starlet: Beauty Tips from Your Beauty Mark by Dita Von Teese
• Faith Bowman: Colorful Clouds of Controversy
• Fashion Tales: In Your Ear | 5 Artists You Should Already Know
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
• Hello Abella: On Building a Minimal Wardrobe {By Necessity}
• Les Assorties: Otiumberg | A Go-To Destination For Accessories Aficionados
• Life in the Fash Lane: Sporty Chic
• Lil Miss JB Style: Knit Picky
• Modavracha: 5 Countries to Visit in Africa Right Now
• The Outfit Repeater: I Dressed Like The Baby-Sitter’s Club for One Week
• Sassy Plus: Petite, but not Short on Style & Confidence
• Tales of Two: Day Trip to Lantau Island
• We Are Ready Made: Gucci Galore

SPONSOR: Shopbop Mara Hoffman Swimwear, Lanston Dresses, Whistles Sweaters, plenty by TRACY REESE, Elina Lebessi, Richer Poorer, Boho Blouses, Denim Skirts, Lace Up Sandals, Men's WANT LES ESSENTIELS


xx

{beauty board} sweet cheeks

Indulge in a candy crush that will leave your cheeks on fleek with these pretty palettes that are dying to come out and play!

1. NYX Cosmetics Ombre Blush in ISTA FLAME {$42.00}

2. TOO FACED Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in PEACH BEACH {$30.00}

3. e.l.f. Baked Blush in RICH ROSE {$3.00}

4. NYX Cosmetics Ombre Blush in STRICTLY CHIC {$9.99}

5. tarte Colored Clay Bronzer Blush in PEACH BRONZE {$30.00}

6. e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder in TURKS & CAICOS {$4.00}

7. Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in CANDY GLOW {$30.00}

8. e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette in LIGHT {$6.00}

9. NYC New York Color Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in Translucent Highlighter Glow {$4.27}


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{fashion folio} summer state of mind

Playsuit: MOTO Bow Playsuit | Palette: tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette | Sandals: Joie Bailee Lace-Up Sandal in WHISKEY SOLID KID SUEDE | Lips: Julep It's Balm Full-Coverage Lip Crayon in NECTAR PINK | Hair: ghd Curve Classic Curl Iron 1" | Necklace: Sole Society Dual Pyramid Layered Necklace in SILVER | Mascara: tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara in BLACK | Blush: tarte Cheek Stain in GLISTEN

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xx

mark. Precious Petals Nailed It Mini Nail Lacquers - Swatches + Review

I haven't reviewed a mark nail duo since November, so I was thrilled when I spotted their latest cute couple: the mark. Precious Petals Nailed It Mini Nail Lacquers! These are so much fun for Spring 2016 as they are unexpected in that they are shimmery pastels with a matte finish {similar to the finish of the matte duo mark. released last fall} - a far cry from the pastel cremes present in many spring collections; but a welcome breath of fresh air if you're looking for something truly new and unique. Let's take a look!

Green Thumb is a Sage Green Shimmer. How stunning is that?! I've got a thing for 50 shades of green when it comes to polish, so Green Thumb just calls to me. The formula here is a little tricky to work with. While it isn't watery or runny, it feels a bit thick during application, and dries lightning fast due to the matte formulation, so you really have to keep moving when you're painting. Green Thumb does dry down to a matte finish, but I applied one layer of top coat, which brightened it up a bit, and gave it more of a satin look. This is 2 coats.

Steel Magnolia is a Charcoal Shimmer. Now that's what I'm talking about! Not being a fan of silver polishes I didn't think Steel Magnolia would appeal to me, but I was so so wrong. Ladies, this color is brilliant - and so incredibly unique in the shimmer category. The charcoal tone, while seemingly dark, lends a lavender cast in certain lights that is so apropos for spring. The formula here is rapid dry, so be quick with application to avoid lumps and bumps. Like with Green Thumb, Steel Magnolia dries matte, so I used top coat to add shine. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: mark.

PRICE: $7.00 for the duo


xx


Thanks to mark for sponsoring this post!

march crush list!

1. blue tips Blue on blue blue. I always equate the first days of spring with blue nails - specifically, brightened pastels that scream look at me and couple perfectly with denim. I have loads of shades like this in my collection, but I'm craving something new. On my radar: OPI's RICH GIRLS & PO-BOYS, Essie's NAMA-STAY THE NIGHT, and NARS' IKIRU. Is it wrong to want them all?!

2. denim minis I have been awaiting a denim mini revival since I picked up a couple of skirts from the Target children's department last year {that place is full of treasures btw}, and finally it is here! Though I'm digging the under-$15 pieces I purchased last year, I'm still swooning over Ksubi's Miniskirt in ALBINO BLEACH {love that color!}, and True Religion's Alexia Miniskirt in VINTAGE TRUE RELIGION {perfect for coupling with my beloved Converse}. Have you been bit by the denim mini bug?

3. pink pouts I often feel that pink nail polish is too girly for me, but I do love a pink pout - especially when the weather starts to warm up. It's perfect for date night or casual outings, and looks so fierce when rocked with a bronze smoky eye. Currently on my radar is surratt beauty's Automatique Lip Crayon in VALENTINE, Ciaté London's Liquid Velvet™ - Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick in WONDERLAND, and NARS' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in ROMAN HOLIDAY.

4. lace-up sandals Sneakers are my jam when it comes to the summa-summa-summatime, but I do have quite the thing for a lace-up sandal. I just bought Steve Madden's Werkit Gladiator Sandal in TAN SUEDE {highly recommend!}, and am now eyeing Matisse's Atlas Tall Gladiator Sandal in NATURAL SUEDE {would look so amaze with a deep tan!}, and PILYQ's Gladiator Sandal in NUDE.

What's on your March Crush List?


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xx

NOTD: Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Rom Com Rouge

One coat of Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Rom Com Rouge. Red Multi-Sized Glitter in Clear Base.

You guys I am capital D DYING over this polish {which the beautiful Carrie of Couture Carrie unexpectedly gifted me last week}! Though reds and glitters rarely have an affect on me, this one is just beyond!

Rom Com Rouge is hyper glittery and saturated, so you don't have to resort to the whole dab and pat motion to achieve an even glittery coat - just swipe and go!

Here I'm wearing it over 2B Colours Jeans Look Nail Polish in Black, which is pure perfection to me as it creates a poison apple type of vibe - so brilliant for fall!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

stars

Glamorous Stars Denim Jacket in LIGHT BLUE STONE STARS.

A denim jacket is always a good idea. Love the embellishment on this one - so perfect for summer!

xx

runway

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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Spring has officially sprung here in SoCal, and I'm looking to embrace it in the most effortless of ways - which means t-shirt dresses and Converse kicks are completely necessary. Not to mention playful accessories and glowy, sunkissed skin. Cheers to the almost-weekend!

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xx

SmartBuyGlasses Review

If you know me at all you are likely to be aware of the fact that oversize sunnies are. my. jam. The bigger the better, in my opinion. That said, when SmartBuyGlasses offered me the chance to review a pair of sunglasses from their amazing collection, I decided to step out of my comfort zone, and go for a frame that was a little smaller and hipster-esque than my normal fare. The object of my affection? The Ray-Ban RB4171 Erika Polarized 710/T5.

Admittedly, part of the reason why I gravitated towards this frame was because it shares my name, Erika {same spelling and everything!}; but my main reason for selecting the style is that I have been coveting a pair of Ray-Ban's forever, but have never pulled the trigger because their typical aviator styles do nothing for my face shape. The Erika is different - it pays homage to the classic Wayfarer, while offering a larger frame that would suit just about anyone.

My one qualm is the color. As a very fair, green-eyed, light/golden brunette, I was seeking more of a Tortoise color frame {like the one pictured on the website}; the ones I received are darker - appearing more of a matte brown than glossy tortoise tri-color. I still totally dig them; but they'll definitely be more complementary to my skintone once summer arrives and I tan a bit.
Do you own a pair of Ray-Ban's?


xx


Thanks to SmartBuyGlasses for Sponsoring this post.

{beauty board} palette play

Palettes so pretty you'll use any excuse to play with them!

1. LORAC Unzipped GOLD Shimmer & Matte Eye Shadow Palette {$42.00}

2. YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTY Couture Variation Eye Shadow Palette in NUDE {$95.00}

3. e.l.f. Clay Eyeshadow Palette in NECESSARY NUDES {$6.00}

4. BY TERRY Eye Designer Palette in COLOR DESIGN 2 {$96.00}

5. NYX COSMETICS Full Throttle Shadow Palette in STUNNER {$9.99}

6. ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Self-Made Eye Shadow Palette {$35.00}

7. NYX COSMETICS Dream Catcher Palette in DUSK TIL DAWN {$14.99}

8. NYX COSMETICS Rocker Chic Palette in HEART OF GOLD {$17.99}

9. e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Eyeshadow Trio in SMOKY SEA {$4.00}


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xx

A Few Quick Fashion Tips That You Could Use After Work

Women end up spending a lot of time dressing up. Be it for a date or even having to go right around the corner to buy a few groceries. The clothes you wear are carefully picked out to match the occasion. If given the choice, women could even spend a couple of hours in deciding what to wear, putting careful thought into each piece of clothing.

But what happens if you don’t have the time to change? Especially when a couple of your friends plan to have a few drinks right after work? You can’t really be sitting down with a glass of beer in your office wear. What you could do is carry a few pieces of jewelry with you and a pair of high heels. That would make a world of difference and some make up would definitely help.

A darker shade of the lipstick as compared to the relatively lighter color that you wear during the daytime, says your definitely going to have a good evening with your friends not feeling the least bit awkward. A pretty and fashionable clutch that goes with the color of your necklace or your ear rings spruces up the whole routine.

So, there you go! A quick tip that you could use if at all you find yourself completely unprepared for an evening out. These tricks have always worked and if you don’t have anywhere to go, then you can play a few games on online bingo sites right at home in the comfort of your pajamas.

Playing online bingo is a great way to unwind at the end of the day and you get to win great prizes too. That’s not all, you can also socialize with other payers online and make some online bingo friends without having to worry about how you look or what you’re wearing.


This article was provided to my site by a sponsor. Compensation was received.

{fashion folio} denim daze

Top: BOOHOO BLUE Teagan Cold Shoulder Chambray Shirt | Belt: B-Low The Belt Bri Bri Belt in BLACK / GOLD | Nails: Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer Sheer in NAKED | Jeans: Hold Power Joni Jeans in BLACK | Eyes: Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection | Boots: Nina Originals Wynona Boot in BROWN | Hair: SEPHORA COLLECTION Sculpt: Curling Iron | Watch: Tory Burch Reva Watch in GOLD / BLACK | Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in PURE HOLLYWOOD

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xx

NOTD: Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Purple Rain-Bow

One coat of Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Purple Rain-Bow. Lilac Holographic Glitter Top Coat.

I'm not the biggest fan of glitters, but they do come in handy when your mani starts to show signs of tipwear, or if you just want to change up your current nail sitch.

Purple Rain-Bow is a beautiful lilac-based holographic glitter that looks divine in the sunlight {we're talking major sparkle}, but does require quite a bit of babying due to how sparse the glitter pieces are.

Aside from the necessary dab and pat motion needed to score coverage, Purple Ran-Bow is a total win for sweetening up your claws. Here I'm wearing it over China Glaze Let's Chalk About It.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

lace

ONE by Honey Punch Lace Mini Dress in Black and Coconut.

Love the Chloe Spring/Summer 2015 feel of the aesthetic. Such a Spring / Summer 2016 style essential, amiright?

xx

mood

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friday face

Pencil Liner: Maybelline New York Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Pencil Liner in MIDNIGHT MASTER | Liquid Liner: NYC New York Color Liquid Eyeliner in BLACK 887A | Eyeshadow: COLOURPOP Metallic in TEA PARTY | Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | Lipstick: Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in FIRST CLASS NUDE | Lip Gloss: JULEP Lip Gloss in POLISHED

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xx


Thanks to Rimmel London and Too Faced for sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
Clearly feeling the sparkle this week. Cheers to Friday Eve!

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xx

{fashion folio} off duty

Jacket: BALENCIAGA Leather Biker Jacket | Jeans: MOTO Bright Blue Jamie Jeans | Tee: TOPSHOP Pocket Tee | Boots: Sole Society TULAROSA Slouchy Heeled Bootie in CAMEL | Lips: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in RUSH | Scarf: Sole Society Leopard Print Oversized Scarf in BROWN | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini Tote in BLACK | Sunglasses: Komono Coco 58mm Sunglasses in TORTOISE

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xx