My Self Fulfilling Prophecy

A lady came into The Candy Bar last week and told me a story.  She said that she had gone to New York for the weekend and forgotten her makeup bag. She was devastated and after swearing at her husband for not checking with her to make sure she had all of her bags, she had to think fast.  The friend she was visiting was not a makeup wearer, so the option of borrowing makeup for the weekend was out the window.  She told me she went to the local mall and had her makeup done at the Bobbi Brown counter where she spent $150 on makeup products that she really didn't need.  Having just posted about makeup products I bought at CVS, I told her if it were to happen to me, I would have gone to CVS.

The reason I tell you this is because I kept repeating during her story "that would be my worst nightmare".  Well guess what? My worst nightmare came true!  In what I'm calling my self fulfilling prophecy, I did exactly the same thing this weekend when I went to Cape Cod.  Imagine my surprise when unpacking my bags I realized I had forgotten my makeup bag.  I swear I willed it to happen. So what did I do? I went pronto to CVS to replace what I needed.

I had managed to take with me a bag filled with my moisturizers and serums, so I was missing the complexion components in my makeup regimen. I had no foundation, no mineral powder, no bronzer, no mascara, no brow pencil, no blush and no eyeliner. My little experiment turned out to be a blogging blessing which allows me to share with you my findings. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Foundation: 

This was a complete surprise to me because I got to tell you, I really like this!

Why I like it:

• Great coverage and finish which makes the easy to use foam applicator a breeze. 
• Gives a complete application and the coverage is build-able which I needed
• True to color 
• Natural finish with long lasting wear-ability

What I didn't like:

• Sheer application of product did not last all day

L'oreal True Match Mineral Powder:

This one didn't have a chance, I'm completely and totally obsessed with my Smashbox Halo powder so I knew this one was going to fall flat. 

Why I like it:

• Set my foundation
• Easy to use brush comes attached to product
• Finish gave my a skin luminous appearance

Why I didn't like it:

• Very Messy
• Screw top reveals sifter top
• If too much product on top of sifter, creates a messy storage and not ideal for a neat and clean application.
• Packaging is not luxe. Not even close.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara:

I have blogged about this product before, safe to say it's possibly my favorite mascara ever.

Why I like it:

• Wand is longer which allows a complete application on whole lash line.
• Formula is wet and thick which leaves lashes defined, lengthened and voluminous 

Why I didn't like it:

• There are no reasons why I don't like this product. Did I mention that it's my favorite mascara ever?

L'oreal True Match Naturale Blush 

This looked easy and the color was pretty, so I thought why not?

Why I like it:

• Natural plum color
• Gave me a luminous glow
• Lightly pigmented for natural finish so it wasnt a strong statement blush

Why I didn't like it:

• Very messy
• Screw top reveals sifter top
• If too much product on top of sifter, creates a messy storage and not ideal for a neat and clean application.
• Packaging is not luxe. Not even close.

Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Define and Fill Duo:

I'm someone who has been using the same eyebrow pencil for about 6 years. I have to say, this was the best purchase because it helped me realize it was time for a change.

Why I like it:

• Precision crayon allows for exact application, 
• Foam tip powder applicator on opposite end creates a thickened natural looking brow without too much product

Why I didn't like it:

• No spoolie brush to groom brows afterward

Maybelline Master Kajal Eyeliner:

Thought this would be an easy no-brainer but was pleasantly surprised

Why I like it:

• Super soft creamy black liner
• Coned shaped tip applicator creates easy line, 
• Waterproof

Why I didn't like it:

• Not opaque, to get opaque black line you have to compromise the longevity of your liner by using the fine point tip

Bottom line, my friend spent $150 at a mall makeup counter and got 3 products she kind of liked. I spent about the same, got a ton more and was truly surprised at how many of the products I really liked. I also discovered that cheap drugstore makeup isn't that cheap after all. 

The moral of this story is even though I enjoyed this little experiment, I doubt I'll ever forget to check, and then double check whether my makeup bag is with me again!

#TheDress...

Evidently the dress is black and blue-but I saw gold and white. I guess that means my emotions are in check? Such a fuss....

But I don't want to talk about that dress. I wanna talk about this one:

Get this...

This dress that Lupita Nyong'o wore to the Oscars last Sunday was reportedly made completely with pearls; 6000 white Akoya pearls-estimating its worth at $150,000.00-was STOLEN right out of her hotel room!  Nyong'o reportedly told police that the dress was stolen out of her room at The London West Hollywood sometime Wednesday between 8am and 9 pm, while she was out. 

Holy Hollwood caper, bloggers! Have a great weekend and please try to lock up your valuables! 

UPDATE: The dress has been found! According to TMZ.com the thief who stole the dress returned it to the hotel after he learned that the dress-made of pearls-were fake! He contacted TMZ to inform them of "Hollywood's fake bullsh*t".

On Line Vs. On Body

I had an interesting experience yesterday that somewhat renewed my faith in the fact that "brick and mortar" shops are still a viable entity. Without getting too much into that debate, I'll tell you what happened first; I will be going away this week, to a warm destination and I needed a few things. You know, I need a new this and a new that, and because all I ever do is work, I thought "why not shop online?"

Yesterday at 7am I was clicking and clacking away, looking at bathing suits, tops and jeans, but I was having a hard time picturing myself in anything I saw on the computer. I was also having a hard time coming up with search terms for clothing items. How to you search "when I see it I will know" for cute spring fashions? Needless to say, my hour long internet shopping search turned up nothing...(so not like me)

It was then that I knew a trip to the mall was what I needed. I got into my car and headed to the mall on a rainy Sunday. Two hours later, I emerged somewhat victorious! I had covered two of my three major fashion categories and the third one I will handle today at another store where I can peruse the selections, touch the fabrics and try them on. Wow! Who knew it could be so convenient?

The online vs. brick and mortar shopping debate is one that I know only too well. Soon I will be launching my own online shopping store because I understand that I have to embrace the online shopping experience to keep my business relevant, but I think I just proved to myself that online shopping does not negate the in-store experience. It only enhances it! Yes, online shopping is the wave of the future, but what about when you aren't quite sure what you are looking for? What about inspiration? What about the smell of the leather, the feel of the fabric, the perfect pop of color on your lips or the way it sits perfectly on your shoulders? What about the 'cash and carry' effect? This was a learning experience in more ways than one.

I would be interested in what your shopping habits are when it comes to online and in store. Tell me how you like to shop.

Wednesday Whoa..

I'm um....

I think?

If I were sitting on the sofa with Joan Rivers and Kelly Osbourne, I would have to say that this:

Is possibly thisclose to a MAJOR  fashion moment. Almost, but not quite.

Changing Course

I've got to change course and talk about something else....

So forgive me, but I thought I'd change it up quite a bit. Today I want to talk about the newest beauty craze-
Tit-tooing.

You heard me right, TIT-TOOING, and it's all the rage. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't read about it for myself. Now "tittooing" is nothing like the picture above. No, this latest beauty craze comes out of the UK and it's not about pictures on boobs."Tittooing" is about  the tattooing on or around the nipple to darken the areola or re-shape the nipple. And get this: some people think their nipples are too pink.?

"A lot of people want their nipples made darker. It’s the fashion," says Gail Proudman, a clinician who performs the procedure. "Some people think theirs are too pink or their boyfriends want them done. I think sometimes they are doing it because they are conscious of them being pale and they think it’s fashionable to have dark nipples."

Since when did nipples become "fashionable"?

The entire procedure takes about two hours to perform and touch ups are needed every 12-18 months to avoid fading. Prices have been quoted at 1,200 British Pounds for a full set, which according to today's calculations is about $1827.60 USD. A real bargain.

I have to wonder how safe it all is?

I guess it all comes down to the youth in our culture being obsessed with perfection. I'm all for doing a safe procedure if you can afford it and it makes you feel good. But the last time I checked, unless your job description listed "porn star" a woman's nipples were kept mostly under wraps. Or bras. Or shirts for that matter. I'm not sure what this says about the direction of the youth of our world.

One thing's for sure, I'd file this one under titty torture.

I'm Surprised I Missed It

I like to pride myself on the fact that I am somewhat of a Fashion Diva/Expert/ Guru of sorts.





Safe to say that I live for fashion. It pumps through my veins and I'm always reading the fashion magazines, trolling the internet on the latest trends and staying informed on all things fashion and beauty.





So it was a shock to me when I missed it. I'm ashamed of myself.






I know I have been busy, but am I really that crazy that I missed the latest?





I'm horrified.






How did I not see it?




Now I need to rethink my entire fall wardrobe, which is some serious sh*t, and it's not going to be cheap, I tell ya. Shame on me for being a fashion junkie.





Ladies, why didn't you tell me?

Today's Special: Sheer Madness

So Katy Perry was spotted in this get-up recently and it got me to thinking...did she wear that because she thinks it's cute? Or did she wear that because she's Katy Perry and she's a big pop star and she thinks it's edgy and she can pull it off? Either way, it's not a good look for her. Edgy or not, its unflattering. Her boobs are too big and the Granny panties make her look fat, and we all know she is NOT fat.

The Daily Dandy says: FASHION FELONY.

Giiiirrrl......A few months after giving birth to baby girl Blue Ivy, Beyonce steps out in this sheer showstopper at the Met Gala Ball in NYC. While this Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisci is not for the meek or the mild, Beyonce chooses the perfect venue to showcase this sheer creation. Where else but the Met Gala and who else but Beyonce? She is sheer perfection and what better way to show off her baby weight loss.

The Daily Dandy says: FASHION AT ITS FINEST.

I don't care what anyone says about this one; if I'm Sophia Vergara and I have an ass like that? I'm wearing sheer leggings too! Period. Amen. Even I think that's sexy and I like guys....Also, she gets mad style points because I'm lusting after the GORGEOUS Chanel bag she's carrying.

The Daily Dandy says: FASHION FORWARD.

Let me just preface this by saying, I love Fergie. I love everything she does and I think she is exquisite. The Fashion Police and the fashion bloggers lambasted Fergie for this dress but I. Loved. It!! She took my breath away. Let's start with the fact that it's a Haute Couture Jean Paul Gaultier, and I just love the black undergarments. Fashion insiders commented that the Granny panties should have been bikini, but I disagree. As illustrated above with Katy Perry, not everyone can pull off Granny panties and in this case, Fergie's Grannies looks classy and edgy.

The Daily Dandy says: FASHION ROYALTY.

Gaga just doesn't care...which is evident by her hand gestures in this photo taken at LAX on July 9, 2012. Well, ok, I support your right to wear whatever you choose, but walking around the airport in your underwear is just not wise. It invites a different sort of element, wouldn't you say?

And FYI, this is the back side of that outfit.

The Daily Dandy says: FASHION FREAK.

The words that come to mind are, what an ass....

Alpha Male

So I get a text message from my BFF on Thursday that reads,

"Giselle and her cronies are at it again-see photos of Tom Brady on Boston dot com-awful!!! This has got to stop NOW!!"

So you remember the last time Gi let her man go to the met ball with THIS bad salad, I couldn't get to the computer fast enough. I was outraged! What had she done to My Tommy now???

Then I pulled up these:

And I'm like.....

Ummm, wow...my blood was boiling alright...

My Tommy?  Oh my...Tom Ford styled him and interviewed him for the magazine. I should have known.

Dang...

These are HOT!

So shoot me.

I'm a sucker for that face.

Olympic Haute Coture

So everybody knows by now that the US Olympic team's brand new Olympic uniforms were unveiled recently to a whole lot of criticism. Seems the Ralph Lauren designs were not very popular for a few reasons. Some people felt that the French beret was decidedly "un-American", but the real flap came over the fact that the 1000 plus team uniforms were made in China. US Soccer player Heather Mitts and US Fencing Champion Tim Morehouse modeled the uniforms on the Today show, and judging by the public's reaction, you'd have thought that these two were committing some kind of evil crime.

Here's my take:

• since the uniforms were unveiled, every would-bee politician has a public opinion on this matter and of course, it's a great way to gain political credence to be on the right side of an unpopular issue. 
•  Ralph Lauren donated the uniforms, so isn't there some Olympic Uniform Committee that has final say over his designs? And for that matter, didn't they ask about manufacturing? Seems the checks and balancing system is neither checking or balancing anything.
• What I have learned is this: Practically nothing is made in this country when it comes to garments. Many industry insiders side with Lauren when it comes to this issue, but agree that he should have understood the sensitivity people feel about "Made In The USA".
• Since only about 1000 uniforms were created, it's surprising that the job was outsourced to begin with. "The globalization of manufacturing" in this country is nothing new, and certainly not new when it comes to Olympic Uniforms. Until 2008,  the Canadian apparel company Roots designed their unis and I'm not remembering a controversy of this magnitude. Ralph Lauren has already publicly announced that he's committed to making the 2014 Team uniforms in America. 
• The Olympic team is privately funded. A statement  from the Olympic Committee released recently has said, "Unlike most Olympic teams around the world, the U.S. Olympic Team is privately funded and we're grateful for the support of our sponsors," the committee said. "We're proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company."

OK, so Ralph Lauren made a huge blunder when he had the Olympic duds made in China. I think he's well aware of the "sensitivity" at this point and the bad PR it has caused his brand. Many fashion insiders confirm that garments just aren't created in this country a fact that is sad, but true. 

I say let this be the first step in changing the industry and the world.

And tell all those media grabbing politicians to "lighten up, Francis".

You Give Me Fever...

Right now, I'm cuckoo for color.




It all started with something I wore this week.

Now I can't get enough.

It's like a bight ray of sunshine in the dead of winter.

Like the crocus, popping up through the snow.

I die for it...

It's a fashionista's dream because right about now we are starving for color.

It takes me back a few decades when I was young and carefree....
and Madonna was at the top of the charts.

I like this one the best cuz this is me. This is how I still roll, decades later.

I've got the fever.

Hollywood's Lombardi Trophy

I can't confess to being completely celebrity obsessed and fashion crazed and NOT put my two cents in about last night's Hollywood party of all parties, the Oscars. This is the big kahuna, the Lombardi for Hollywood, the Holy Grail for most recipients and the only place to see and be seen if you are in entertainment.

So much about last night was noteworthy, but here are my observations and in no particular order:

The Awards:

Meryl- How can you even question it? Everybody thought Viola Davis was a lock and then the Iron Lady sweeps in and steals the statue. Meryl (looked stunning for once) is Hollywood royalty and everyone should be in agreement that the Oscar is exactly where it should be. I love her casual elegance. The fact that she is one of the most celebrated and awarded actress today not withstanding, she has managed to have what seems to be, it all. A long marriage, family and a fabulous career. Kudos for a job well done.

Christopher Plummer-The 82 year old accomplished actor finally captured the brass ring. He was quite elegant in his acceptance, and I'm happy that the father from The Sound Of Music can now add Oscar winner to his resume.

Billy Crystal-While I think he played it safe on the telecast, it felt like an old friend was taking us through the motions. His opening sequence, a visual homage to each nominated picture, was comfortably predictable and enjoyable. Billy may not have the pipes to pull that off on Broadway, but it didn't matter. It's Billy and the Oscars. Best line of the night, "There's nothing better than watching millionaires award each other gold statues."

The Fashions:

Gwenneth-It's not that frequent that I have such a visceral reaction to fashion, but she literally took my breath away. Then I learned that her stunning white ensemble was Tom Ford and I understood why I was so touched. He's the King. Pure perfection. I cannot say anything else. Simply stunning.

Jennifer Lopez-No. No, just no. Why? Really? She was the street walker of the night and I hated her hair. Her only redeeming aesthetic was the Scott Barnes Body Bling (which The Candy Bar sells) that she is famous for. Her glow was pure J Lo.

Angelina Jolie-Hmmm, I'm not quite sure here. It was ok, but her ridiculous pose, with her hand on hip and her leg exposed most purposefully was a huge turn off. Ok, so she is the most beautiful woman on the planet and she was beautiful last night for sure, but the problem for me was that the whole pose thing, on stage, made he think that she takes her self and her sex appeal WAY TOO SERIOUS. Huge turn off.

Misc:

Ryan Seacrest-Speaking of taking themselves way too serious, Seacrest beat out Angelina. Sacha Baron Cohen, dressed as his latest movie role, The Dictator, dumped, what was suppose to be the cremains of King Jong II all over the Burberry tuxedo jacket of E!'s Red Carpet host Ryan Seacrest. Ryan just couldn't roll with it. Bizarre, yes. But Seacrest's reaction was embarrassing and down right depressing to witness. Seacrest can probably see to it that Baron Cohen NEVER steps within 500 feet of him again, and that he gets black balled from whatever he wants. Baron Cohen has zero chance of ever hosting ABC's New Years Eve Count down or his own reality TV show on the E! channel. Zero. The whole thing was egg on Seacrests furious face, to say the least.

The Parties-

Wolfgang Puck fed 1500 people at The Govenors Ball and wore a custom designed chef jacket for the event. Rumor has it that his chicken pot pie with truffles was TO DIE FOR.

Miss Piggy was flawless.

I woke up with the name Octavia Spencer on the brain. I guess this lady has arrived.

Hugo won alot of awards. I have had more than a few peole recommend this film to me, so I will now prioritize it on my movie queue. And Scorsese? Not one recipient of a Hugo oscar that did not comment on the great director and what a privilege it was to work with him.

And finally, Cirque du Soleil never disappoints, and they didn't last night. I loved their acrobatic artistry.

It was a great Oscars. Not so boring that I only caught the major awards,and entertaining enough to stay up till 11:30. Then I went to sleep and Hollywood went on to party like a rock star.

Hot Or Not

So yes, I saw these on TV.

Pajama jeans? I decided to inquire further. At first glance these look to be faux designer jeans and nothing that would peak my interest but I have to admit I was curious. Made from a blend of cotton and denim, these faux jeans claim to be so comfortable that you can sleep in them. (I might have slept in my jeans a time or two, but it wasn't because I thought my jeans were "super comfortable")

With "butt lifting" European stitching and a mock zip front, the brass rivets and the designer look of these jeans could fool even the best fashion expert. Or could it?

I decided to ask a trusted group of friends their opinion:

"those are gross," one exclaimed.

"Sooo not!" said another.

But being a journalist at heart, I had to argue the two sides.

For the NOT:

• They look fake and cheap. (are they? I have yet to hold said garment in my hands so these are just observations based on what I saw on TV)


• They have their own infomercial. Need I say more?


• Would you DIE if someone on the street stopped you and said, "Oh my God, aren't those the pajama jeans??"

For the HOT:

• If you have a killer figure and your ass looks good, does it really matter what the jeans are made of?


• Comfort. Does comfort trump fashion? (not in my mind, ever)


• Price. At $39.99, is this a great way to steal a fashion trend? Some designer jeans run up to $280.00. If she is rockin' jeans at $39.99, who looks the fool then?

In the end, I can't decide.

Can you believe it? Me, who has all kinds of opinions when it comes to fashion. I couldn't help but see both sides of the designer jeans debate. I guess if you look good in them, it doesn't really matter what they are and if Angelina Jolie were photographed wearing them, they might become the next greatest fashion trend. Then lots of naysayers would be caught with egg on their face.

Would I ever wear them?

Hell no, but I never said I wasn't a fool.

Patriots Season Tickets For Sale

I have 2 Pats season tickets for sale.



My wife doesn't want to attend any more of their games as she doesn't like the person who sits in the seat next to us.



I've attached a picture with the view from the seats.



Tickets will be sold to the highest bidder.




Current Bid: $8670.00

A Fedora Fashion Experiment

It wasn't that long ago, 50 or 60 years, that hats were a staple of American fashion. Both men and women wore hats when they went out. Everywhere. Today, these same hats are considered a fashion risk or more of a "look at me" call for attention that possibly only Hollywood hipsters and stylists could pull off. Not so much for your average Joe.

The fedora is a new trend that seems to be putting hats back on the fashion map. I bought a fedora for myself last October, but never wore it. Or should I say I never had the fashion nads to wear it, until yesterday when I instituted a Fedora Fashion Experiment. (and trust me when I tell you, I have a lot of fashion nads)

I work in a fashion environment, perfect for my initial entry into a fashion realm of the unknown. The question? Could I pull it off for an entire day? One thing I knew for sure was if I wore it I would have to be committed and wear it for the entire day. No exceptions.

So this is me in The Candy Bar in the morning, hopeful and ready to conquer the day. Walking into the boutique my co-workers immediately greeted me with a "oh wow, don't you look cute?". I can report that at his point I felt a little silly and a bit out of my comfort zone, but I trudged on. With the weather a bit muggy and the temp inside the boutique at a balmy 80 degrees, my head began to sweat a bit and the nagging feeling of hat removal nipped at my psyche.

I was not to be deterred.

As the day progressed, I began to get my hat mojo on and I was feeling pretty good. Customers had only positive comments like:

"You look great in hats"

"I love this look" and

"Only you could pull that off."

By two pm I began to get a slight headache and I wondered if it was from wearing a foreign object on my head for so long or the fact that I had yet to eat my lunch, (which very well could have been) but after lunch I still had my groove. And it reflected in my enthusiasm.

Bottom line: The Fedora Fashion Experiment was a success! So much so, that I've decided to add the Fedora to my fashion repitoire regularly. I high recommend it to you and to all us Average Joe's who are afraid to let their Fashion Freak Flag fly.

Sometimes a little "look at me" is just that, in the most positive way possible.