Goes on Like Velvet, Smells like a Blackberry

My apologies for the lack of original photos -- my camera broke last night at the Red Sox game. I'll get a new one tomorrow, but until then I wanted to fill you in on my secret weapon. It smells like liquid crack, and by that I mean that it's addicting to the senses.

Victoria's Secret Velvet Amber Blackberry fragrance has stolen my heart, and impressed me with all the compliments it snags. It's soft, but still fresh -- fruity, but still floral and feminine. Boys run to it like bacon and chicks flock to it like, well, the perfect fragrance.

Mists on softly and smells better than my Smartphone, and it's on sale right now.

the fashion & beauty guinea pig

Printed Tunic, Forever21, Orange Striped Bralette, Free People, Black Fei Vest with Brass Buttons, Anthropologie.

After Christmas in June, I wanted to brief you on some of the products I have splurged on -- because they actually have enough benefits to be worth the price (bonus -- some of them are cheap).

So tomorrow will bring a new day as well as new products from my product-junkie collection. Remember that I've worked at many retail companies with great products -- including Crabtree + Evelyn and Nordstrom -- so I have quite a pile to select from. Consider me the ultimate product guinea pig.

But for now, a little preview. The photo above came from a couple nights ago. Here, proof of the guinea pig statement: a fashion experiment, to see if the runway bra-over-plain tunic thing could possibly work in real life, and a beauty experiment to explore the results (however terrifying) of letting my hair air-dry. Results: the bra thing works with a very sporty looking or obviously made-to-be-seen bra (like mine, with orange stripes. Very non-lingerie looking). If you have a larger chest like mine, you need to wear a vest over the style concoction to avoid looking too wide. I saw the runway look in a Parisian fashion magazine, ripped out the page and put it on my wall for inspiration. Voila!

How-to hair:

1. If you have straight-across bangs like mine, always blow-dry them for styles where you're leaving them out front. Then straighten to sleeken and tame, depending on how unruly your hair is.

2. Next, mist a wave-enhancing spray (I used Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, available at salons) all over hair, focusing on the part from the tops of your ears to the tips of your hair. Scrunch with your fingers, pushing up. You want to make a wave, so let it be as curly as possible.

3. Repeat scrunching until hair dries enough to keep the shape of the waves. If you're in a hurry, use a blowdryer to dry while constantly repeating the scrunching motion with your hands, all over your hair.

4. If desired, pin front hair back (i.e. stray strands that frame your face) with bobby pins so your face is more visible. But don't forget -- a little strandage is good because it looks soft and sultry (yes, I believe I just made up a word).

recession-proof instant attitude adjustment!

When I was little, I was a crafty little thing, and I loved free stuff (who doesn't?) One trick I came up with, which I used on a regular basis, was sending hand-written letters to companies with products I liked or was interested in.

In the letters, I would praise the product (if I'd already used it) and ask for stickers or samples I could use to share the love for _______ (enter organization name). If I hadn't used the product because it was too expensive, I said I'd heard good things but wanted to try out the product before splurging on the real thing. And guess what -- IT REALLY WORKS!! My mailbox (not inbox -- real, good old-fashioned snail mail) was flooded with responses.

Although I received the occasional thank-you letter with nothing in it but kind words (also always nice), I usually got stickers and/or samples. In some cases (quite often, actually) I got full products from the companies I'd written to! For instance, when I was in middle school I wrote to a teen clothing company and received school supplies and a hat with their logo on it. As you can imagine, this was a very trendy set of stuff for a seventh-grader to be toting around.

But as my age changed, the products I received evolved too. Once in high school I wrote to Estée Lauder and was rewarded with two Pure Color Lip Vinyl lip gloss cubes (the packaging resembled ice cubes -- very cute), a lipstick and some samples. That's a LOT of money I saved just for showing my support for the company.

So I suggest trying this as an easy way to boost your day. It's almost free (just pay for a stamp and an envelope) and gets you cool freebies. Just log onto the company's web site and look for the link that says "Contact Us" (usually at the bottom of the page) and find their mailing address. Then start writing!

One more option: I like entering contests. Again, it's free, and waiting for a response or possible win is like waiting for Christmas morning when you're a little kid. I like the ones that let you choose whether or not to receive newsletters, etc., like the Glamour magazine one, below. I don't get spam from them, ever. Bravo!

Click on the link below for the Glamour monthly giveaway. There are products given every day of the month.

30 Days of Beauty Freebies!

zingy pear

Just did my second interview with Sephora, which means:

a. I am going to be a very happy girl if I get that job.

b. I would be working in fragrances, so I will have a lot more perfume advice in the coming months.

c. I am IN LOVE with the Dolce & Gabbana perfume L'Impératrice (not just because it has a French name!) If you like fruity, this is for you. It smells like fresh pear after a spring rain. May just have to become my new summer fragrance staple.

human fish

Just stumbled on this photo of Emily Blunt from the Critics Choice Awards. I love the fish theme created here -- she has it perfect with wet-looking, slicked back hair in an updo pulled away from her face and flawless fair skin.

fishtails

I'm finally back from my own personal Tour de France, and let me tell you, driving all the way through France leaves room for a lot of fashion mag reads.

One thing I've been noticing on the runways and in normal life since a little before my London trip is the messy side braid, and I love it. I'm proud to say I've been rocking this look for years, and what an added bonus that it's in right now. My favorite is a fishtail braid, like Diane Kruger's (shown above).

sous le soleil

Here are the products of a lovely Parisian day under the sun in the Tuileries. My friend Micha, below, looked great as always, captured here taking a photo of the sunset. I also wanted to show my outfit for its mixi-ness, as I think things like that often flow magically together although by any means of logic they should look absolutely ridiculous. Case in point: gladiator sandals + leggings + shorts + bright orange bag + multicolored delicate fabric tank + black winter scarf + jumble of odd accessories = .... a good outfit? I guess fashion works in mysterious ways...

On Micha, left: Charcoal Stretch Tunic, H&M, White Ruffle Vest, H&M, Grey Multipocketed Skinny Jeans, BCBG, White Woven Flats with Ankle Strap, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani.

On me, above right: Black bow clip (in hair, front of updo) Forever21, Black Risky Business Sunglasses, Primark, Black Scarf, Found, Multicolored Tank, Urban Outfitters, Orange Faux-Leather Bag with Gold Detailing, Big Buddha, Available at Crush Boutique in Boston, Tweed Shorts, Free People, Black Cropped Leggings, Found, Elastic Black Gladiator Sandals, Miss Coquine's Paris.

Note: When I say found, it is as bizarre/gross as it sounds. The scarf I saw on a girl at the bar, and it was freezing outside. And she left without it. Being as I was freezing, I snagged it (washed before wearing, of course). The leggings, a friend left at one of my parties sophomore year and through extensive research I was never able to find their owner, so I kept them. The funny thing is all the compliments I get on them because they're "sheer," which in fact is just because they're about a billion sizes too small for me and the fabric stretches out over my leg. Ah, style secrets.

i've found my soulbag

The Nicole Non-Leather Shopper in all its glory, available on the Ted Baker web site.

My (not so) recent obsession with Ted Baker has been costing me a lot, even though I buy a lot of his stuff on eBay. Trust me, this is the best way to snag amazing deals on this brand. But ever since a girl in my program came back with this, the Nicole bag, from London, I've been lusting over it like a Twi-hard over Robert Pattinson. Nothing can be done to soothe my longing... except pure and simple purchase.

It's too new to be on eBay, so I might just have to trek down to the Ted Baker on Newbury once I get back to Boston and buy it (once I've gotten a job for the summer, of course).

pixie cuts

Here's a pic of Adriama Lima I pulled from the Internet (read: another blog, heart you Superficial) and even though the rest of the shoot portrays her nude from the waist up, I'd like to comment on the cute pixie 'do. I love it with her features. The big doe eyes are sweet with the cropped look. And isn't that the point of the pixie cut -- to look like an innocent fairy type?

I've been considering going short, probably not this short, but let me know your thoughts...

London style

So I'm in London for the weekend, and have been spending a lot of time outdoors in the parks because of the gorgeous weather. Today I saw a lot of really great outfits, but was only able to catch a couple candid shots so as not to seem like a creep. My friend got this photo of one woman's outfit. It looks a little boring in the pic but I wanted to note that she pulled off leopard print gladiator sandals and a red striped tunic, and she did it well. Loved the shoes.

forgotten treasures

Tights, Nordstrom. Black flats with crystal accent, Miss Coquine's Paris.

Today I wore my cool black tights from two summers ago when I worked at Nordstrom. I forgot how much I missed them, and discovered how nice they look with black flats, especially when the flats have a little accent like these ones. Please excuse the little tear near the toe -- I know it's bad but I just can't give these things up.

La Petite Parisienne

Bow Clip, Anoki Paris. Blue Circle Scarf, LA Made. Coat, Guess.

Two of my girliest obsessions: flowers and bows. They're staples in my accessories wardrobe, and they also happen to be speckled throughout the shops in Paris.

So the other night I decided to do a bit of shopping on Rue de la Huchette after having a few drinks. This would seem like a bad idea, but somehow I always end up making great purchases when I'm just the slightest bit buzzed. Go figure.

Anyway, here it is, in all its glory: my turquoise bow hair clip. It fits into my hair well, never so much as adjusted throughout the entire day, and gave me a nice little pop of color to fight the gloom of the gray Parisian sky. And best of all, it's just plain cute!

The Mataano twins

So today at work while taking a short breather from boiling down a Texan aerospace sector directory, I went on my favorite break site, CNN. I was thrilled to find this story and just had to write about it. It's about a pair of Somalian twins who fled their country to escape civil war, settled in the US and created a clothing line:

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/04/08/somalia.fashion.twins/index.html

I have always thought African designs are really beautiful because they like colorful pieces (like Californians do!) and always create unique patterns. Check out the site at http://www.mataano.com/ to find some cool items. I did have to dig a little-- some of them aren't as African as one would expect-- but the ones that are look incredible! My favorite collection is Spring 2009.

i want to make a dress

with this pattern, found in Amsterdam on a wall. I did blur the edges and enhance the color, but I think this would be a great print for a Grecian-style drape dress. I'll probably try to make it when I get back to Boston.

stop, you're making me brush

I strongly believe that good makeup is difficult to do well without good brushes. Which is why, as you can see here, I always have my handy brush case around when I want to look pretty. Although I swear by the brushes in the photo, there are tons of brushes on the market, and I'm sure that some of you have your own preferences.

Also, I realize that this brush collection is NOT cheap. So do what I did to avoid breaking the bank: buy them one or two at a time. I promise it'll make the next purchase something exciting to look forward to, and keep you occupied by trying out the one you've just bought in the meantime.

Brushes (from left to right):

1. Bare Escentuals Handy Buki Brush, $20

2. Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Application Face Brush, $28

3. Clinique Eye Definer Brush, $16.50

4. Sephora Collection Professionnel Concealer Brush #46, $17

5. Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, $25

6. The Body Shop Eyeshadow Blender Brush, $18

7. Japonesque Pro Blush Brush #324, $35

8. Prescriptives Foundation Brush, $30

9. Studio Basics Cosmetic Blush Brush, $3.85

10. Bobbi Brown Faux Leather Brush Case, $35

A quick note: I'm not a big proponent of the Bare Escentuals company, as I worked there for one day and in the weeks before my first and only day was treated horribly, ignored and lied to. Hence quitting after the first day. Also, a few years after my short stint with the company, I was contacted multiple times over the course of many months regarding a lawsuit against the company by former employees for neglecting to pay worked hours and lying about their pay rates, etc. This really didn't surprise me, considering how I had been treated. That said, they really do produce fantastic (if not inexpensive) brushes and makeup. You must know that I'm very passionate about worker's rights and would never advocate a company like this unless their products were phenomenal.

Summary of the other brushes/brands:

Clinique's Eye Definer Brush is a great tool for soft powder eyeliner and eyeshadow accents. I use it a lot for a little dose of color over a neutral eyeliner base.

Sephora is one of my favorite stores -- I'm like a kid in a candy store in that place. This brush is wonderful because it gets the job done as well as the designer brands, but at a lower price. I usually use it with Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation SPF 15, but it works great with liquid concealer as well.

The Bobbi Brown brush. Oh, wow. Where do I start? I bought this specifically for their Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, my absolute favorite. But then I bought a cream eyeliner from the drugstore, and it worked wonders with that as well. This double-edged sword is magic: it has a wide side and a skinny, tapered side depending on how thick of a brush stroke you're aiming for.

The Body Shop eyeshadow brush is inexpensive. It does a great job of blending, a perfect tool for smoky eyes. And it's great for putting highlighter shadow just under the brow bone or in the inner corner of the eye.

The Japonesque Pro Blush Brush is soooo ridiculously soft. It feels like clouds are floating over your cheeks.

Prescriptives makes their Foundation Brush perfect for liquid foundation. Although I rarely use it, when I do I use this brush. Using your fingers is more difficult and can trap bacteria, causing breakouts. Using a foam wedge works, but it can take multiple wedges to blend and the material often soaks up too much of the product.

The Studio Basics Blush Brush is a real steal. I got it at CVS in a kit, and although the rest of the kit was as disappointing as I had expected (I had to buy it in an emergency, when I had left all my brushes at home in California by accident), this one was a winner. I like that the synthetic bristles are sturdy enough to sweep a thorough helping of highlighter onto the cheeks. Also good for pesky powder blush, because it actually picks up product from pressed powder.

The Bobbi Brown Faux Leather Brush Case is so handy. I don't know if it's still available in stores, but I have found it online. It's small, zips up and has different spots inside for each brush. I keep all my brushes in it.

ready, set...

Welcome to style.sponge, the new blog for everything fashion and beauty related. Get advice, tips, tricks, deals and product/outfit/ brand recommendations. I am a fashion junkie living in currently living in Paris, coming from San Francisco, and going to school in Boston. Vivre la variété de culture !