Tag Archive | Beauty & Skincare

Beth Ditto and MAC Are Set To Do a Collaboration This Coming June

Jan26

Beth Ditto, known for her outrageous fashion sense and singing voice, is now doing a collaboration with #1 makeup company MAC.  Women’s Wear Daily reports that Ditto, who often boasts her own bold eye makeup, will create signature products to hit MAC stores and counters in June. In celebration of the partnership, Ditto will attend this evening’s Gala Sidaction Dîner de la Mode as a guest of John Demsey, group president of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. and chairman of the MAC AIDS Fund, and Karen Buglisi, MAC global brand president. The MAC AIDS Fund will donate 190,000 euros, or $246,620, to Sidaction this year. No word yet on what the products will be but if it’s as great as her Evans collabo, I’m sure to be the first in line for it!

Story via The Huffington Post and WWD

Spring 2012 Must Have Trends: “Flaming Heels, Colored Denim, Polka Dots, 70′s Flare to Stiletto Nails”

Jan18

In the fashion world you must always stay at least 6-months ahead of the next season. So with that said, I’m sharing with my readers some of the top must-haves for the upcoming Spring 2012 season. Look forward to seeing color-blocking make another return, including colored denim jeans, making a major splash on the fashion scene. 70′s styles and metallics seem to be very popular as well. Here’s my Spring 2012 vision board for beauty products, slender and plus-size clothing, shoes, bags and more…….

One surprise trend is the “princess” skirt. This showed up on runways such as that of Jason Wu. I remember seeing this trend a few years ago when Sarah Jessica Parker wore hers on the “Sex and the City 2″ movie. 

Last Spring Prada had some of the most wanted trends being that of the stripe dress, monkey prints and chunky heels. This Spring the Prada shoes are a statement again. Checkout these “fireball” sandals inspired by hot wheels cars with flames:

More trends below:

To blend in with the “deep sea” trend from above, I’m lovin this Kate Spade ‘Barclay Street’ Ship Clutch, $358 from shop.nordstrom.com

And these Jimmy Choo Sandals (below) are the bizness

As you see below, polka dots will be “spotted” everywhere this Spring. 

For the curvy gals, here’s a great little polka-dot trench coat from Ashley Stewart, $59.50, sizes XL-4X

Belted Polka Dot Trench Coat

Or this cute polka-dot belt from White House Black Market, $38

The colored denim jeans trend is on the top of my spring list. These can be dressed both up with a blazer or down with a tee. 


For plus-sized colored denim try these aqua jeggings from Ashley Stewart, Sizes 12-26, $36.50

Basic Stretch Jegging

I’ve been eye-balling this new nail trend called “stiletto nails” since last year but just couldn’t really get with it until now. Rihanna is just one of many celebs wearing stiletto nails – acrylic nails that are filed to a point to look like stiletto heels, and then are generally painted in an attention-getting color. I plan to try these out very soon!

To polish those stiletto nails, opt for new spring shades such as Dior Scented Polish  ($23), “YSL Candy Face”  ($30) or the new Nicki Minaj for OPI  collection

This dress called the “The Miranda” was just released today and I already have it at the top of my personal Spring wish list. It’s from designer Monif C. and is available now for pre-order. I can so see me rocking this with my stiletto nails,  $228, Sizes 14/16-22/24

"Miranda" Draped Jersey Gown - PurpleOrange Shell Necklace Turquoise Shell NecklaceIron Fist - Zebracorn Platform Heel (Wide Width) SKU: 567808

Since the Monif C. dress is such a vibrant hue, it can easily be used within the color-blocking trend with these “Sheri” by Jessica Simpson pumps, Sizes 5-11, $98 or either one of these Shell Necklaces from www.curvaceousboutique.com, $34.99 each. But if you wanna bring out your animal instincts, then pair up the dress with these Iron Fist Zebracorn Heels from Torrid, $39

(Remember, everything doesn’t always have to be matchy-matchy to pull a complete look together).

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for 2012

Jan16

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I’d like to share some items that I think would be great gifts for your significant other, friend, wife, mother and so on. I have everything featured from lingerie, perfume to gadgets. You’re sure to find something that may suit your gift list:

Ladies even in the winter we must still keep our feet looking fresh and smooth. I mean who really wants to cut up their nice sheets with rough feet? If you you plan on giving someone a gift certificate for a pedicure my first idea is for you. For those winter time pedicures instead of freezing your feet off with those salon slippers, try these “Bootie Pies” pedicure boots. You simply slide them on right before you get polished and flip down the tab. Only $88, size 5-11, www.bootiepies.com

If you happen to be doing an at home pedicure with your “Bootie Pies”, then you’re gonna need salon worthy products. I suggest this Jasmine Vanilla Sugar Scrub from www.bathandbodyworks.com. When I say that I absolutely love this product, I mean it. I have been using it for years. Not only can you use it on rough heels but on your entire body. You instantly feel the dead skin falling off as you scrub and once you rinse, you won’t even have a need for lotion. The exfoliants & jojoba oil in this product leave skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom. $16, 32 oz.

Sensual - Jasmine Vanilla Sugar Scrub - Aromatherapy - Bath & Body Works

Then once your feet are all pretty and soft, why not slip into these cute pumps from Hello Kitty for Torrid. The peep-toe has the signature Hello Kitty emblem on it making these so adorable. (P.S.- I have these already and plan on doing a review soon). $95, Sizes 6-11.

If you’re looking for a practical dress as a gift and are on a budget, then this Belted Shirt-Dress in Rust from Miss Tina for Wal-Mart is the thing. It’s from the new Miss Tina Spring collection and is only $18.98. Sizing goes from a  S-XXL. A shirt-dress is appropriate for just about any age bracket and body shape and size.

If you’re in need of a great new bra, then try this one by “Leading Lady”. I recently had the opportunity to try this baby out and the seamless structuring was very smoothing under my blouse. I like the wide shoulder straps and the front-closing snaps on this bra  didn’t disappoint. Comes in Nude or White, Sizes 38C-46H, $39,  www.leadinglady.com

Molded Seamless Wirefree Front Closure Full-Figure Bra (5057)


Now Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to gift the gift of scents. I personally prefer to receive them in sets as I like to layer my fragrances. I may have told this story before but I fell in love with the Victor & Rolf “Flowerbomb” Perfume while on a flight from New York. The stewardess had it on and every-time she walked the aisles serving passengers, the scent was a  pleasant refreshment. (Which is a good thing when you’re on a small plane because odors can tend to really linger among passengers).  Anyway I just had to ask her once we landed what her wonderful fragrance was and that’s how I got hooked on it. Nordstrom has the whole set for $182.

Now for the diva on the go you must stay up to date at all times. But there’s only so much you can do, and see, on your phone. That’s where this little gadget comes in. It is the Nextbook Tablet. Small enough to fit into an average size purse but large enough to read ebooks, emails and movies on the 8.4 inch screen. Available at www.kmart.com for $199

Need the perfect gift to give maybe your single female best friend? There’s nothing wrong with relationship advice books. Give the gift of Tionna Smalls new book, “Men Love Abuse”. (Also available for tablets and ereaders). Available now for tablets and in print January 27th.  $14.99, www.talkdatishbooks.com

 (Personal Plug: I styled Tionna for this bookcover)

Now to curl up and read your new book, you probably want something comfy to slip into. Try this little number from Lane Bryant. It’s the Sheer mesh Babydoll for only $39.95.  Available in sizes 14/16-26/28. (Or enter my “Valentine’s Day Giveaway” for your chance at winning a new lingerie set from Lane Bryant)

Lane Bryant Sheer mesh babydoll - Women's Plus Size/Black

“The Bella Styles Fashion and Style Seminar”, Saturday, January 21, 2012

Jan3

On Saturday, January 21, 2012 I’m hosting the “Bella Styles Fashion & Style Seminar” here in Richmond, Virginia. I will be sharing my style and fashion secrets to get your wardrobe in tip-top shape for 2012. Attendees will learn how to shop on a budget, what fashion trends are current and also make-up, beauty and modeling tips.

Registration ends this Friday, January 6, 2012

This seminar is open to all (plus-size, straight size, models, teens, etc)

Time: 11:00 am-3:00pm

Location: Holiday Inn Express Downtown (Richmond, Virginia)

Price: $50

*Payments accepted via PayPal at: http://thebellastylesfashionseminar2011.eventbrite.com/

 

REMINDER: The “Bella Styles Fashion and Style Seminar” is Saturday, November 19th

Oct5

Many times I’m often asked, “Where did you get that outfit?” or “How’d you put that ensemble together so perfectly?”. Maybe you don’t know where to shop or just want a celeb look for less. So I’ve decided to share my fashion and styling secrets with you all. On Saturday, November 19, 2011 I’m hosting the “Bella Styles Fashion & Style Seminar” here in Richmond, Virginia.


Topics to be covered will include:
- Fashion Styling
- Shopping Tips -Wardrobe Must Haves & Current Trends 
- Beauty, Modeling and Hair & Make-Up Secrets 
- Health & Wellness Issues - & much more!!!!!

This seminar is open to all (plus-size, straight size, models, teens, etc)

Time: 11:00 am-3:00pm

Location: Holiday Inn Express (Richmond, Virginia)

Price: $50 (Due by November 5th)

*Payments accepted via PayPal to: admin@bellastyles.net or by mail to:

Bella Styles Company
P.O. Box 7558
Henrico, Virginia 23231

For further info contact: admin@bellastyles.net

Space is limited so RSVP today!!!

Hope to see you there!!!

“The Bella Styles Fashion & Style Seminar”, Saturday, November 19, 2011 in Richmond, VA

Aug31

 

Many times I’m often asked, “Where did you get that outfit?” or “How’d you put that ensemble together so perfectly?”. Maybe you don’t know where to shop or just want a celeb look for less. So I’ve decided to share my fashion and styling secrets with you all. On Saturday, November 19, 2011 I’m hosting the ‘Bella Styles Fashion & Style Seminar” here in Richmond, Virginia.

Topics to be covered will include:

- Fashion Styling
- Shopping Tips
- Wardrobe Must Haves & Current Trends
- Beauty, Hair & Make-Up Secrets
- Health & Wellness Issues
- & much more!!!!!

This seminar is open to all (plus-size, straight size, models, teens, etc)

Time: 11:00 am-3:00pm

Location: TBD (Richmond, Virginia)

Price: $50 (Due by October 15th)

*Payments accepted via PayPal to: admin@bellastyles.net or by mail to:

Bella Styles Company
P.O. Box 7558
Henrico, Virginia 23231

For further info contact: admin@bellastyles.net

Space is limited so RSVP today!!!

Hope to see you there!!!

 

Product Review: “The Revive & Kicking Revitalizing Leg Cream by Lane Bryant”

Jun20


If you’re a friend of mine on facebook then you already know that last night I posted about my feet and legs hurting from so much walking while I was in NYC. I thought I could maneuver rockin 6-inch heels on a daily basis but I was sadly mistaken. While in NYC I attended the blogger’s conference for Lane Bryant. They have a new body care line out called “Cacique Body”. I reviewed an item from it already a few weeks ago. But when I returned home from the conference, I had a pleasant surprise waiting for me on my doorstep. Lane Bryant had sent me the full line of products from the body care collection. They must have been reading my mind, (or knew that I was in pain, lol). It couldn’t have come at a better time. My feet and legs were so swollen last night that I couldn’t even touch them. So I had to wait until this morning to try the product out.

 

I used the “Revive & Kicking Revitalizing Leg Cream” on my legs and the “Keep It Smooth Anti-Chafing Cream to Powder” on my inner thighs. The leg cream works instant wonders. The tea tree oil invigorates and Vitamins A, C & E antioxidants moisturize and protect your skin. My legs felt refreshed the moment that I applied the cream. Since I was in spanx and girdles all weekend my inner thighs were screaming. (Just being real here, lol). So I used the  chafing cream on them. Not bad I might add. I also needed that remedy as well. Natural corn starch absorbs moisture and helps prevent irritation and combats friction. So who needs a Dr. Feelgood when Lane Bryant is just the prescription to order!

 

Revive & Kicking revitalizing leg cream   $22  (6.7 oz.)

Keep It Smooth anti-chafing cream to powder  $14  (2 oz.)

www.lanebryant.com

 

 

 

 

Product Review: Lane Bryant’s New “Cacique Body Care Collection”

May21

Lane Bryant was nice enough to ask me to review their new body care collection called “Cacique Body”. It is a line developed exclusively for your curves. The collection doesn’t officially come out until later this month but I got the honor of previewing it for my readers. So I tested it out today after I got out of the shower. Altogether there are four scents in the collection, Pinkberry, Citrusfresh, Waterblossom & Nightbloom. (Each scent comes in a smoothing body lotion, three-in-one body wash, hydrating body mist and a pampering body butter. The fragrance that I received is called “Pinkberry”. I got the “Firm Believer” smoothing body lotion and  the “Spray it Again” hydrating body mist. The pinkberry smoothing lotion is made of a lightweight sculpting seaweed, infused with wakame extract, an anti-oxidant to help promote a smooth texture.

I applied it to my skin while still a little wet and it glided on perfectly. It has a nice texture, not too thick nor runny at all. The scent is decadent, made up of cherry blossom, raspberry and peppercorn. Once fully dry I sprayed the body mist on me to compliment the lotion. The body mist has the vitamins A, C & E and moisturizing aloe. I even took it with me when I went to the nail salon to get a pedicure. I asked the nail tech to use it on my legs when she was finished as my massage lotion. I almost had to fight her to get it back, lol. She was serious about keeping it. I knew then that this is gonna be a big seller for Lane Bryant. Even more so when I went to the store after leaving the salon and had applied some more on my arms and hands. The clerk who was ringing me up complimented me on the fragrance. So in all actuality I’ve had three people to review this product today including myself. Be sure to check it out for yourself when it debuts soon. Take Bella’s word for it, you won’t be disappointed!!!

Smoothing Body Lotion 6.7 Oz. $18

Hydrating Body Mist 8.5 Oz. $15

_______________________

Developed to enhance and beautify a woman’s skin and offer solutions for specific needs, Caciquebody will also include three specialty skincare products including:

  • Keep it Smooth- This anti chafing cream-to-powder formula, developed especially for delicate skin areas, glides on to absorb moisture with cornstarch, mango and coconut oil, and helps prevent irritation as it smoothes skin. (2 oz. $14)
  • Revive & Kicking- A revitalizing leg cream that cools on contact and energizes tired legs with a boost of Arabica coffee seed oil, refreshing tea tree oil and water mint. (6.7 oz. $22)
  • Shimmer Time- This shimmering body lotion enhances curves with light reflectors and body smoothing shea butter, avocado oil and rice lipids. (6.7 oz. $18)

The Caciquebody line will also feature four fragranced products in luxurious scents, infused with performance enhancing ingredients:

  • Firm Believer- A smoothing body lotion that feeds curves with Wakame extract, a powerful anti-oxidant loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein. (6.7 oz. $18)
  • Good as New- A 3-in-1 body wash that flaunts triple benefits and high performing ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize in one quick step. (6.7 oz. $12)
  • You Butter Believe It- A pampering body butter that delivers intense skin hydration with shea butter, jojoba seed oil and grapeseed oil, creating a light layer of moisture. (6.7 oz. $20)
  • Spray it Again- A hydrating body mist that leaves skin soft, silky and beautifully fragranced with a choice of four delightful scents. (8.5 oz. $15)

The fragranced products are available in four delightful scents to emphasize every woman’s sensuality and individuality:

  • Pinkberry- Ideal for the hopeless romantic with lush, romantic florals and pink peppercorns.
  • Waterblossom- Perfect for the beachy dreamer with notes of dewy violet petals, gardenia and tangerine.
  • Nightbloom- Made for the sexy diva, sensual and warm; it blends plum orchid, bergamot and vanilla cashmere.
  • Citrusfresh- Simple and clean for the sporty lady with zesty lemon verbena and sheer amber.

Available May 25th at Lane Byrant Stores and Online on May 30: http://www.lanebryant.com/

The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale Starts December 27th

Dec16

I just got word that the big Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual starts on December 27th. This is the best time to rack up on all your favorite scents at discount prices. I always wait twice a  year for this big event to rack up.  I’ve gotten full size shower gels and lotions that retail for $10 for under $2 at this event. Plus they usually have weekly deals and coupons too. I sure hope I get plenty of Bath & Body Works gift cards for Christmas (wink, wink).

www.bathandbodyworks.com

The New Chanel “Côte D’Azur Collection”

Nov24

I’m a sucker for exotic and odd nail polishes and makeup. So I was excited to just come across the new Chanel collection entitled, “CÔTE D’AZUR”. The pale blue polish is a knock-out. Now while I have mentioned before that Chanel polishes are a little too matte for me, I somehow still wanna give this one a try. I saw Wendy Williams with a similar color on her nails the other day and it was really beautiful.  Debuting at the CHANEL Cruise Collection 2010 – 2011 fashion show in Saint Tropez on May 11th, Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, was inspired by the location to create a playful collection that flirts with the sun. “Effortless, natural beauty, relaxed girls who are enjoying their holidays. That was the main idea behind the look for this show. And we added a touch of playfulness by applying a pastel baby blue nail polish”, says Peter Philips.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish in Riva, $27, available at Chanel; Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour, $30 each, available at Chanel.