Woman of the Circus

OPI has created a "soft tone" collection called Femme de Cirque. I fail to see the marketing plan behind circus themed names and soft feminine neutrals. OPI has also stumbled upon one of my biggest pet peeves. Saying something in French does not inherently make it classy. Maybe it's my five years of French parler, but Femme de Cirque sounds JUST AS STUPID as Woman of the Circus. Do not be fooled or wooed by Cirque de Soleil. Although, in fairness, Circus of the Sun sounds kind of awesome.

A Woman of the Circus sounds like a carney. "Carney" is a look I rarely desire.

So, while I love these colors, I am annoyed by the mis-match in the names to the colors.



On to the important part: the names!


Image and Formatting from Beauty Junkie

I like all the colors and the names are cute and funny despite being senseless.

Grade: B

Red Light Special: Everything Must Go

New nail color is Sally Hansen's "In the Red". Isn't being "in the red" a bad thing? My fingers are losing money apparently.

Another Life Gold

Number Four. I would like to be an actor in a infomercial/commercial making some task seem devastatingly difficult in a way that it most certainly is not.

For example, making or buying coffee:

Casper and the innuendo

Todays color is OPI's Panda-Monium pink, only its not really all that pink. My name idea: Casper the Friendly Finger. I'm going there without really going there.

I'm loving this "blogging from my phone" situation. So easy!

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Move'n Rouge

Move'n Rouge is stupid, but is still better than just "rouge". I, umm, accidentally, lost my last tube of red lip stick at a bar. I needed a cost efficient replacement. Enter, Rimmel Rouge. Oh, look at that, another better name.





I'm LOVING the color. For $6.49 it seems to be staying pretty well. Will there ever come day I don't love all lip color?

PS - the little crowns make everything Rimmel makes seems more expensive, doesn't it?

Steel Magnolias

Not only is it one of my favorite films, it would be a WAY better name for my new nail polish. Seriously? Where is my job?!

I give you Steel Grey by Rimmel London:

Maybe she is born with it, maybe she stained it.

Against my better judgment I bought some Cover Girl Lip Stain today. I have heard all the terrible reviews: creates kool-aid lips! looks like a 5 year applied! Popsicle mouth look! I am one of those people, however, who must learn by doing. So.. here we go.



Hour One: I bought a more natural shade just in case it "stained" unevenly. Seems like it's going well so far. I like it. Lips feel bare and yet there is color!

Here is the funny thing, the color is: Sassy Mauve. Really? Can mauve be sassy?

Hour Two: Color developed a bit darker than the bottle shade, but I like dark colors so I'm OK with it.

Here is a creepy little picture of my lips.


I'll update again after I eat/drink. Stay tuned. Fascinating, I know.

Hour Three: Just ate my mac n cheese and enjoying a glass of wine (totally off set by my walk earlier, right?) and its still holding.

Folks. We may have a winner.

Another Els

I am not one for body snarking and I advocate for fashion and style for every body and every person. This is one of the many reasons I find plastic surgery scary. First off, I find any elective yet dangerous surgery somewhat suspect. Allow your body to do what it is supposed to do: age. That said, I am not totally one-sided on the issue. I have friends who have chosen to alter their bodies and faces and not for entirely shallow reasons. I empathize.

So coming from a slight bias with a touch of understanding I watch the Real Housewives franchise. I have caught a few Miami episodes and was immediately wooed and taken aback by Elsa. Elsa is Marysol's mother, a self-proclaimed witch/psychic, and a wine drinker. She is right up my alley. The striking thing? This:


At first I assumed she had suffered through an accident or a fire. A little bit of internet research has shown that her current facial structure is a result of elective surgeries. What have we done, as a society, to make a beautiful woman find this necessary? Bravo.com revealed some older pictures of Elsa.





Personally, I feel pretty certain she would have aged gracefully and beautifully. I still love her presence on the show, but her look shows her insecurity. It can't help but make you sad.

Life Gold

I have many bucket listy type goals.

1 - to play a murder victim in a movie/t.v. show/cop training manual
2 - judge a food network competition (cook for me, minions!)
3 - Name a nail polish

I am obsessed with nail polish names. Granted, I'm easily amused by simple word-play. Anyone who follows me on twitter can attest to my weekly nail color changes. Below I have added a few of my recent updates, followed by some new nail color collections I'm loving and giggling over.

My current nail color: OPI's Miami Beet


My current toe color: You've been berry naughty


Last week's nail color: OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona



OPI has a new collection simply called "Texas". Kind of boring, but whatev, I like the colors. More importantly than the colors, the NAMES. My fav? "Houston, we have a purple"...

In order, down the line: "Don't you think I'm Texas-y", "Houston, we have a purple", boring, boring, "Big Hair.. Big Nails", boring, boring, "Suzi Loves Cowboys", "San Tan-tonio", boring, "It's totally Fort Worth it", and last, "I Vant to be A-Lone Star". Check em' out.


Below is the "Illamasqua: Toxic Nature" collection. There is, of course, some large political message in that title. I, however, choose to go with "pretty!" Colors: Purity (peach), Radium (acidic lime shimmer), Gamma (neon orange), Bacterium (pearlescent ash ochre), Stagnate (grey mauve). My favorites are Bacterium and Stagnate.

Picture from Fashionista.


So what will I name my polish (yes I mean will and not if, we must think positively)? This decision will an excoriating impossible choice.

Current Front Runner: Life Gold

...get it? It'll be gold.

This Is A Test: Repeat, This is a Test.

Seems as though modern technology now allows me to blog via my phone. Impressive, I know.

Think of the shop blogging possibilities!

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Suppose they all drive Saabs?

I really like Elie Saab's 2011 Winter Paris Fashion Week Collection. It's nothing too original or over the top, but that's sort of it's charm, no? I like glam gowns and will not apologize for that. It's a crying shame this show was after awards season. Try not to swoon, I dare you.


I love the glitter and the drama of this one. So many people hate on head-to-toe sparkle, but I think in certain instances, it is STUNNING. Haters to the left.



I feel like this dress was designed specifically for Amy Adams.



TREND SPOTTED. REMAIN CALM.
Check out the Elie Saab (red on the left) from 2011 Paris Fashion Week next to the Michael Kors (black on the right) from his 2011 New York Fashion Week collection. Time to grab some spray-on panty hose and strappy sandals ladies. The good news? You can wear whatever bra you want.

Chloé: I would do anything for love, but I won't do that.

I have previously been known for my love of all things hippy and bohemian, and lord knows I never shy away from sundress, so Chloé Autumn 2011 runway initially appealed to me.



I was even along for the ride with the snake skin (the skirt I will take asap)...



I would have rocked the hell out of this 20 pounds ago (and maybe now with enough back-up from spanx)...



But I draw the line at pleated baggy leather pants. Just no.

Cynthia Rowley - Mystery Resort Wear?

As I mentioned in my last post I found a sporty little Cynthia Rowley dress at TJ Maxx for $25. I have been trying to locate it online with no luck (boo, hiss)! Due to the detail on the bust seam I believe its 2010 Resort (also based on the "original price" listed on the tag of only $90). Anyway, I think it's cute and I love the color. Excuse these terrible photos. I do not currently have a real camera beyond my phone and webcam.

I need to take in the outside side seem just a touch to make it flatter my curves. I should be able to do it at home myself. I'm excited to have my very own Rowley and also to have a chance to yet again practice my at-home tailoring!

On the hanger it, admittedly, looks a touch shapeless.



I normally hate large exposed zippers, but for some reason I find this adorable. Think of the accessories?!



I need to take in about an inch in on the waist. Additionally, I'm thinking I could go pretty bold on the shoe. I'll make sure it get a few pictures at the Charity Auction I plan on wearing it to!


PS - OH YEAH, it has pockets!!

Shake your Bodhi

I keep scoring big time at TJ Maxx! My laptop bag crapped out on me so I actually needed a new one! Scene: Me at TJ Maxx. Realizing I'm holding a Bodhi Travel Collection bag worth around $300 to $400. Noticing I'll only be paying... drum roll... $89!

My macbook pro has never been happier.



Ahh, the smell of real leather.

I also scored a gorg bright blue Cynthia Rowley cocktail dress for $25. I'll post on it later, as I can't track down a picture. I think it's from Spring or Resort 2011 based on the bust seam, but I can't find it online anywhere! I'll snap a picture at home!

Also spotted: A Dooney and Burke tote handbag for $100. Almost nabbed it, but determined that while $100 is a STEAL, it's still $100 I shouldn't be spending on another handbag.

The most incomplete coverage you'll find all day.. er, month.

The last two months have passed in the blink of an eye! My classes at law school are kicking my butt with reading right now, not to mention all the community events I have been working on. I'm going nuts!

I have been keeping track of all the fashion happens, but haven't had time to put anything together. Between the Oscars, NY Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Weeks, the Kors opening in Paris and the Chanel dinner for Blake Lively (gag) it's been a busy few months in fashion. Below are four of my favorite events from all the fashion happenings:

First, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011 Collection. HOW DO YOU NOT LOVE THIS CRAZY LADY?! It's like an 8 year old got drunk on cold medicine and stared at her Lisa Frank folder too long - which is to say I love it.



Second, I have a thing for Michael Kors. Mainly, I love him. He manages to make fashion feel comfortable, attainable, and homey while still keeping it elegant and expensive feeling. It's like a $10,000 sofa in your log cabin. Below is but a sampling of the Fall 2011 awesomeness from New York Fashion week. I suggest checking out Tom & Lorenzo's post for more. Their blog is an addiction of mine. If not for them and their twitter feed I would have forgotten fashion week all together.



Third, Victor and Rolf Fall 2010, Paris Fashion Week. They are responsible for Natalie Portman's Golden Globes Rose dress, which makes more sense now that you see the collection. A number of the models had large white coats with collars. I seriously got nervous just looking at the pictures... Just keep seeing red face paint all over everything.



Fourth, Michael Kors (yep, back to him) opened a store in Paris. He has been gushing about it on twitter for days. Below is a picture he posted of the reception dinner. Jealous yet?

Here is the store. Let's go now.


So those are the four things that have got me most excited in the last weeks! Coming up next - A quick post about some amazing buys I found this week!

Oh My God. You. Guys.

My husband's car went ka-put last week and I become significantly more frugal with my spending as a result. I thought my designer bag plans were no more, or at least postponed greatly. I did not, however, spend the money I had already squirreled away. Fast forward to today at TJ Max. I found my leather raspberry Michael Kors for, get this, $99! Holy Cow!

It's not exactly like the tote I posted earlier (below). But I actually like the more narrow shape I found better.


My new bag is from the fall 2010 collection (I think). I believe the tote I pictured in my earlier post is from the same collection, only a different shape. After a little Macy's/Bloomingdales/Von Maur research I discovered these pieces and sizes are generally retailing for around $250! Which means I managed to save $150! Whoop!

My computer camera is making it look significantly more pink than it really is. Its truly a purpley raspberry.

(also note my new OPI nail color 'Barefoot in Barcelona' which I am in love with and pardon my hat hair day. Its snowing and the hat is cute - I promise!)

McQueen for a Queen

Michelle Obama wore Alexander McQueen to this years State Dinner! She is branching out and she looks fabulous! American royalty!

Show me your Globes.

The majority of fashion coverage I watched on the Golden Globes 2011 was mixed and leaning negative. I'm happy to say, however, that I pretty much liked everything I saw... with a few choice exceptions.

My Favorites:


Anne Hathaway in Armani, styled by Rachel Zoe. I think this is stunning. I love the volume in the shoulders and the bare back. It's dripping with Hollywood glam and it is fabulous. I want to grow up to be Anne Hathaway... although I may be older than her.


Amber Riley in Oliver Tolentino. I think she finally hired a stylist! She looks gorgeous. Its been said that fuller bodies can't carry head to toe sparkle. I think Amber proves that's not true.


Ethereal thy name is Dianna Agron in J. Mendel.


Catherine Zeta-Jones in Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2011. Can she even do wrong? CZJ just knows what works. Love the color and the texture.

Loved but with caution:


January Jones in Versace. Honestly, I thought I hated this until I saw her present. The movement sold me. On the runways it was a light royal blue, but I like the red. Still, though, it has my boobs concerned. Are her girls OK?


Christina Hendricks in Romona Keveza. To be fair to the nay-sayers, the ruffle does tend towards 1988 Dynasty. That said, however, j'adore. Love red on a redhead. Takes balls.


Claire Danes' Calvin Klein was totally backless, which provided the drama this outfit needed. Me likey.

Concerned but not angry:


Helena Bonham Carter in Vivienne Westwood. I think the best way to explain my (and many other fashion bloggers) reaction is that, she wants so badly to be on the top of every worst dressed list that I don't think she deserves the satisfaction.

Side note, she is simply beautiful under all that costume.
PS - I fucking love Vivienne Westwood.


Olivia Wilde's Marchesa gown was generally praised. I like sparkles as much as the next girl... but it's a little "prom", no?

There were some other interesting frocks (see Natalie Portman and Lea Michelle) but the above I found the most interesting.

God bless award shows.

The day has come.

I'm married and half a lawyer. My days of terrible Wet Seal and Target handbags should be behind me. I dream of handbags (seriously, see here). It is time to make this a realty. Next week I will have saved a humble sum to indulge in my first (real/legit) designer handbag that is, gasp, from a current collection. This, of course, means I have been searching and over thinking like crazy before making my decision. Lets play.

Rule One: It must be somewhat versatile and classic, because let's face it, I normally spend only $20 on a bag. This one needs to last awhile.

Rule Two: Designer. Yes, its shallow, but if I'm shelling out more than $100 for a purse people better know that I did. Personally, I love all things Michael Kors when it comes to clothing that fits like a dream. At the same time I have wanted a Coach bag since I was like 7.

Rule Three: Bonus points for leather.



MICHAEL by Michael Kors. It comes in more neutral colors, but I tend to love color. I have carrying purple and red bags for a year or so now. Plus it works with black and brown.


Coach. This satisfies all three rules. I could carry this bag for years.



Yep, its another Coach, and from their brand new Colette Collection. Swoon.

I want to touch and try on all of them. I'll post my new bag next week!