If You're A Bird... I'm A Bird...

For most women, and even men out there, we don't even have to think twice when asked what movie is the culprit behind the phrase, "If you're a bird... I'm a bird..."  Because it was with the movie 'The Notebook,' that passion was reignited and not just women, but men could identify and agree on the fact that the love story between Allie and Noah was absolutely breathtaking.  'The Notebook' became the first movie that didn't sit with the masses as a "false reality" or merely a "chick flick."  In fact, it created a constant reminder that not only is true love worth fighting for, but that everyone deserves to fall into a deep and passionate love at some point in their lifetime.  Allie and Noah brought "true love" to life and made it something tangible and real for us all to witness.  For those of us already in love, it created an awareness and appreciation for what we had found, and for those of us, like myself, who continuously find themselves having their heartbroken, there is indefinite hope that with enough perseverance, strength, confidence, and most importantly, patience, our time will come too.  Personally speaking, I would rather be alone, than be with anyone except The One.  Because while I have no idea who he is, where he is, or even when I'll meet him, just knowing that he is out there, somewhere, makes me excited and able to pick myself up each and every time without fail.

They say you have to kiss a lot of toads before you can meet your prince charming.  While I feel as though I am beyond my limit, God surely must have a sense of humor about the whole thing because I am still waiting.  But I must say, from my first breakup until now, there maybe something to be said about dating toads before meeting The One.  Every let down has fueled within me more courage, more confidence, more stability, and more acceptance in myself at how amazing and wonderful I am just as I am.  Though I have heard the lamest most overused line a hundred times, "It's not you, it's me," it's actually quite true.  It's not me, and it will never be that it is me.  My mom constantly reminds me whenever I am faced with this line that it's not about whose fault it is or was, it's the fact that for whatever reason, it wasn't the right fit.  Someone can't be the one for you if any one part of the both of you together doesn't fit exactly right. 


People might think I am an impulsive shopper, but what I don't think they realize is that shopping is a lot like dating.  You browse and browse, maybe try a few things on, sometimes a lot on, but when you find the perfect dress, handbag, or shoes, let's be honest you just know.  With little to know rhyme or reason involved.  It just literally hits you and you just have to have it.  I am both positive and confident that is how it will be for me when I meet the one.  For those who haven't taken the time to get to know themselves inside and out, it is very easy to view my shopping habits and decisiveness when I see something I like as impulsion, but in reality it is anything but.  If I am not willing to skimp on a handbag or pair of shoes, why on earth would I skimp on my most important accessory?  Rest assured however, when I know, I will know... unfortunately I just don't know when that will be yet! :)

Any skeptics out there that think that the concepts of soul mates and passionate and everlasting love are found only in the movies, unfortunately lack the patience to stand tall and own themselves, and I fear those same individuals are not 100% happy with who they are exactly as they are.  For many, it's the fear of being forever lonely or thinking that you have already met the best thing that keeps you longing for the comfort of what you know.  But be realistic for a second; 99% of the dates you go on or the people you meet are not The One and that is simply because of the fact that there is only one.  So from a probabilistic standpoint alone, you have to be brave enough to have your heart broken.  You have to be willing to be vulnerable, to trust, to be confident, and realize that loneliness isn't the result of being alone, it's the result of something missing, which is completely independent of having someone.   All of these things need to be in check before it is even possible to appreciate The One and having that kind of love in your life.  To put it simply, and in the words of another film favorite, 'A Cinderella Story,' don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.  Trust me it will be worth it.  I know it, and I haven't even found him yet.

Even still, the word "love" alone is tough enough to define which causes us to forget at times that there are so many different kinds and ways to love someone.  For example, I love my brother and sister differently than I love my mom and dad, which is different than how I love my friends or even a boyfriend.  And I know that when I meet the one, that I will have learned of a whole new kind of way to love someone and that it will be obviously different from the way have ever loved any man previously.  We often get confused and played by the rush of emotions and feelings when something is new and exciting.  It's at these times that we find ourselves very quickly caught up in the rush of feelings and chemistry that we forget the fact that everlasting love is not born out of physical attraction.  The most important distinction regarding love is that it is not lust, but can easily be confused with lust.  True and everlasting love is something far more powerful and binding.  And quite honestly, with already limitations in language to define love, we rely heavily on the relativities of our relationships overtime to help gauge, and draw comparing and contrasting differences with those we have crossed paths with to date, only so we can continue to narrow down the population and move closer and closer to finding our life partner. 

 

Even still, it amazes me how every time us ladies have our hearts broken and we swear that this is the last time we put ourselves out there and that we will never let this happen to us again.  We do.  And  why do we do it?  Because every girl wants to find their Noah.  Every girl wants a man that will dance with them when there is no music playing, that will never stop believing in your love, and most importantly, who recognizes that if you're a bird... they're a bird.

Health & Beauty # 1: Celebrity Tanning Secrets Revealed

As ladies we wait all year for the time when the weather is absolutely gorgeous and we can begin working on obtaining and maintaining our sunbathed skin.  I, like the majority of the female population, am guilty of this mindset, and as I have begun the descent into my upper twenties, I have realized the importance of protecting my skin and being smart about how I spend my time in the sun.

Sun exposure is one of the quickest ways to noticeably age skin, particularly for your face and neck.  To combat the harmful impact of the sun’s rays, I have substituted the normal moisturizers for sunscreen.  As part of my daily regimen, I now wear Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple SPF 50.  Every morning, I apply a nickel size dollop’s worth onto my face and neck prior to putting on my makeup and foundation for the day.  When I share this with others I frequently hear, “my foundation already has SPF in it, and isn't SPF 50 a little much?”  My response to this nature is simply SPF 15 (found inmost makeup products with SPF) is not nearly enough protection for an entire day.  Further more, I would much rather be safe than sorry!  When I first made the switch from the usual moisturizers to Coppertone, I was concerned with my pores clogging and skin irritation.  Surprisingly, the transition was seamless and not only did my complexion improve, but my skin did not get dry or irritated.

I think when we look through magazines or see images of celebrities; we instantly notice their perfect complexions and tans, and think to ourselves, “I want to look like that!”  What we often fail to realize is that celebrities especially, are completely aware of the harmful impacts of sun exposure and take many precautions in addition to wearing sunscreen like; hats, sunglasses, cover-ups, and overall monitored exposure.  As a celebrity, aside from talent, your image and outer appearance is your biggest money maker which is why there is an immense amount of pressure to age gracefully and maintain your youth for as long as possible.  To achieve this, you bet celebrities are not sitting out in the sun for extended periods of time without taking many precautions.  To put it even more simply, there is a reason why the majority of celebrities wear hats and sunglasses while outside, and no it is not just for hiding from the paparazzi.

Celebrities are extremely cognizant of the impact sun exposure has on aging, which is why one of the hottest trends in Hollywood has been and continues to be the spray tan.  Not only do spray tans make it easy to achieve and maintain a flawless and even glow, but it lasts for about 10 days with proper moisturizing.  Professional venues like plastic surgeons offices offer customizable spray tans to make sure your tan is perfect and appropriate for you!

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to paying for a professional spray tan, rest assured there are products available that serve as perfect alternatives.  Over the years I can honestly say that I have gone through my fair share of trial and error with over-the-counter sunless tanning products.  I have finally come up with the perfect marriage of products that will leave you with an all over even, streak free, and natural looking tan. 

Here’s how I do it!

When preparing to sunless tan yourself it is imperative that you make sure your skin is freshly showered.  Following your shower, you will want to completely dry off your skin before applying any products.

The first product you will want to use is Coppertone's Sunless Tanning Gradual Tan Tanning Lotion.  This product serves as not only the base layer for your tan, but it simultaneously moisturizes your skin.  As  an aside, to maximize the longevity of your tan you will want to make sure you are keeping your skin moisturized.  Therefore, this product is crucial for the base of your tan and for daily moisturizing as it will lotion your skin while continuing to build a, for lack of a better word, "gradual tan."  To apply, use generous amounts and apply like you would any other lotion or body moisturizer and make sure to rub in the lotion.  Additionally, you will want to let the lotion completely set in before applying the next product.

Next, apply L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion in deep, and apply in a similar fashion to the previous product.  Note that his product has a built in tinted bronzer which means that upon application, color will be noticeable immediately.  The combination of both the L'Oreal and Coppertone products will work together to ensure that proper evenness and blending is achieved.  Be careful when applying the bronzer on your knees and elbows as the tan will come through a lot easier in these regions, and too much application will result in an unnatural contrast between your joints and the rest of your body.  Once application is complete, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the lotions from tanning your palms.

Finishing off your tan couldn't be easier with Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan in either medium (2) or deep (3).  This product, as the name suggests, airbrushes away imperfections and naturally blends the tan to the inner arms, back of the knees and neck.  When applying gently shake the bottle and spray with even intensity and movement at a distance of about 4 inches from the contact area.  You will want to keep a steady and even movement as you spray your body.  Make sure to spray the top of your hands and feet to prevent unnatural contrast.  In particular, when you previously washed your hands, you removed any tanning application so you will want to make sure to apply to lightly airbrush your hands and feet to keep the tan blended and looking natural.

Following the application of all three products remain standing for a solid 30 minutes so your skin can properly absorb the products and dry.  Over the course of the next 8 hours your tan will gradually show more and more.  On a personal note, I typically tan myself at night so my tan has come through completely for work the next day.  Additionally, I tend to reapply the Coppertone's Sunless Tanning Gradual Tan Tanning Lotion to my legs, arms, face, and neck daily, and will further touch-up with Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan as I see fit.  Overall, the tan will last about 5 days with daily moisturizing before gradually fading out.  Use your discretion and feel free to apply the three products as needed so you can achieve your own personal perfect tan!!!

Three Secrets To Dressing For Summer While Getting Beach Ready!!!

As we say goodbye to the chilling temperatures that plagued the winter months and welcome the new found warmth and beauty of spring, it’s time to put away the layers and get ready to show off some leg!  With myself and the rest of the world scrambling to get beach ready, here are three helpful tips on how to embrace your curves while feeling comfortable and confident!

1.  The A-Line silhouette is your new best friend.  Whether you are at your ideal body composition or are working towards achieving a personal goal, the A-Line silhouette, much like your nearest and dearest friend, will NEVER let you down.  This silhouette effortlessly softens the midsection and draws attention from the drama of the forced waistline on up the frame to the wearer's face. 

Every girl knows that nothing says summer like a summer dress!  When shopping for an A-Line dress it is important to pay attention to where the top of the “A,” or the forced waistline, land on your body.  Ideally, the top of the “A” should fall somewhere between 1-2 inches below your breast line and the upper section of your ribcage.  Rest-assured you can count on having found a dress that is right for you when the midsection of your frame is instantly soften and the “A” shape is obvious and effortlessly formed.  Notably, since the success of the A-Line silhouette is driven by fit and fit alone, your perfect dress can be found at literally any price point.  In fact, I frequently find myself having great success shopping the racks of both The Loft and Target. 

Accessorizing this look couldn’t get any easier too!  Simply continuing with the concept of drawing the viewer’s attention up the frame rather than down, the optimal accessories for achieving this are pieces like a bold necklace, scarf, or fedora.  Finish off the look with a pair of wedges for added height, and you are without a doubt good to go.  For evening and brisk temperatures, add a biker jacket or jean jacket (sleeves rolled to ¾ length to keep the look young and fresh), and you are on your way! 

2.  Accessorize to the nines.  If you are anything like myself, accessorizing is where the magic happens.  It is amazing to see how different pairings of finishing pieces have the power to take an ensemble and create completely different looks.  The warmer months is the time to really experiment and strive to create comfortable chaos with your ensemble.

Accessories have the esteem power to either make or break your outfit, which is why it is all about balance and finding the perfect mix for the look you are trying to achieve.  Earrings, necklaces, belts, hats, heels, the list goes on and on; put not only the finishing touches on an ensemble, but additionally have the responsibility and capabilities of being incorporated for the purpose of serving as a distraction. 

Think for a second about the distinct focal points of menswear business wear.  There are three, possibly four (depending), focal points being defined.  Immediately upon viewing, the eyes are drawn to the tie, the belt, the shoes, and if applicable, the cufflinks.  Each of these focal points take the viewers attention away from the ensemble in totality, and force the attention to each defined point.  Having multiple distractions or focal points, keeps the viewer from focusing on any one component of the entire look for too long, and instead, keeps the viewer's attention bouncing from one point to the next. 

With women’s wear, females are spoiled with endless options for accessorizing, lending itself to styling creativity around managing and incorporating distractions for the viewer.  As was previously described, focal points are key to drawing attention away from one area and redirecting it onto the next.  Going back to the A-Line silhouette, when looking to detract attention from your mid-region, creating noise with a bold necklace and possibly a fedora would be ideal ways in which to  draw the attention upward.  Consequently, when trying to bring the attention downward, wearing a scarf or long hanging necklace, paired with a larger tote handbag will easily be able to achieve this.  Accessorizing should always be fun and about expressing your personal style while creating comfort in your look so you can hold your head up high in confidence!

3.  Boost your confidence with a nude wedge:  Wedges are a fantastic option during the warmer months as they not only create depth while elongating your legs, but they are comfortable alternatives to heels.  What’s even better is how versatile and practical a wedge is.  Whether dressing up or looking to accentuate your legs while running errands, the wedge provides comfort, support, lift, and most importantly, definition to your already stunning legs.  In the same way every girl should have an LBD (“Little Black Dress”) in their closet, the same logic holds true for a pair of nude wedges.  Nude wedges go with absolutely everything and they add so much to an ensemble with little to no effort on your part.  Wearing a nude wedge at a glance makes your leg look subtly and naturally longer through the discrete color tone and with the severe incline.  No matter the weather or the occasion, a nude wedge will definitely lift you right up!


As always, feel free to post your comments below or email me your thoughts at 50shadesofpinkandglitter@gmail.com

The Story Behind The Little Black Dress

"One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a Little Black Dress." - Karl Lagerfeld

The LBD, or "Little Black Dress," is a staple and definite must have in every female closet.  Whether you are going for a night out on the town, or attending a black tie affair, the LBD is perfect for any and all occasions, as it is one of the few fashion pieces that has the transformable power to style up or down at your command.  Despite the timeless and classic labels the LBD has earned, its history of being identified as "the shape of the future," is rather brief, having made its debut in the 1920s thanks to none other than Coco Chanel!

Generally speaking, when we think of a little black dress, our minds immediately jump to another fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn, and her ensemble in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."  But truly, the introduction of the LBD, in a mainstream sense, dates back to 1926 when Coco Chanel published in Vogue a short black dress which earned the name "Chanel's Ford;" a play on words referencing the Model T and the dress's marketable versatility to women of all social classes.  Vogue went onto further credit the LBD design by deeming it "a sort of uniform for women of taste."  Sure hindsight is 20-20, but it is remarkable to think of how spot on Vogue's remarks were.

The LBD craze continued through the Great Depression, which is not surprising given the versatility, economic value, and overall glamour appeal; clearly making it a good bang for your buck.  During war times, particularly World War II, the Little Black Dress served as a uniform for civilian women entering the workforce, which was brought on by textile rationing and the dress's commonality and evenness.  Further transformation of the LBD occurred in the 1950s with the injection of Dior's "New Look" to segue into the post war age, linking female style and dress back to "sexual conservatism;" which exuded underlying tones of empowerment, danger, seduction, and femme fatale.  The mod generation during the 1960s brought with it a defined separation between those that wore the miniskirt versions of the LBD, and those who aspired to look like Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."  The image to the left above, features a Little Black Dress from 1964, and to the right above,  is a 2013 Nicole Kidman add for Jimmy Choo, showing her sexy, seductive protagonist side in an all black number.  Further transformations of the LBD ensued through to modern times; however have unfailingly upheld the principles that catapulted the Little Black Dress to a permanent elite mainstream style status in the first place.


Certainly no discussion of the little black dress is complete without circling back to Audrey Hepburn and dissecting her ensemble in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."  Audrey Hepburn typified the standard of the LBD when she wore the black Givenchy dress accessorized with pearls while playing the role of Holly Golightly.  Between her character's classically chic style, as well as her flirty, outgoing, and infectious personality, Holly Golightly, or Audrey Hepburn, became known as the epitome of the quintessential girly girl.  This look perpetuated through the 1960s and quickly became known as the "basic black look."

Since earning its esteemed status in 1926, the Little Black Dress has unrelentingly kept its mainstay in the fashion world, and continues to reign in popularity today, despite having gone through countless style variations through the decades.  Regardless of your own personal style preference, the LBD without fail, has the ability to transform its wearer into a stunningly classy and glamorous woman.  What's even more powerful about the Little Black Dress is that you don't have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks.  Simply donning a LBD with pearls is enough to make heads turn your way in every direction!



Please feel free to leave your comments or email me directly at 50shadesofpinkandglitter@gmail.com.
HAPPY READING!

Sources:

http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/dresses-skirts/little-black-dress-00000000046948/index.html

http://www.stylelist.com/view/the-story-behind-the-little-black-dress/

Product Applause Of The Week # 2:

This past award season was certainly all about the mix and striving to achieve "edgy glam" with a no-holds
barred approach.  Celebrities led the way taking fearless fashion risks through thoughtful mismatching, anomalous pairings, and bold accessorizing.  Left and right, style icons made waves on the red carpet, promoting their individual take on "edgy glam" and strut their stuff to the beat of an "I don't care" attitude.


The most stunning and eye catching accessory exercised by celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson, Rashida Jones, Amber Heard, and the like, was the EAR CUFF.  This trend makes infusing rocker chic and glam seem effortless!  Even better are the countless styles to choose from! Whether you are looking to dress up your ensemble, or add a hint of edge, an EAR CUFF is the perfect way to achieve this and turn heads while doing it!

Ear Cuff Key For Picture (ABOVE)

1. Republic Miso Leaf Ear Cuff – $9.65

2. Miss Selfridge Gold Aztec Ear Cuff – $18

3. Maniamania Gold Telepathic Ear Cuff – $190

4. Repossi White Gold 4-Row Berbere Earring – $4,720

5. Topshop Chain Stone Ear Cuff – $20

6. Topshop Neon Flower Ear Cuff – $20

7. Mimco Savannah Wing Ear – $65

Check out the various of style options by shopping the site below and order yourself the EAR CUFF that is perfect to you!  Don't wait and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

ASOS  http://us.asos.com/search/Ear-Cuff-?q=ear+cuff

CLAIRES  http://www.claires.com/store/the-goods/jewelry/cat1260136/jewelry/ear-cuffs/

EAR CHARMS  http://www.earcharms.com/

ETSY  https://www.etsy.com/browse/jewelry/body/ear-cuff

MARTY MAGIC  http://www.martymagic.com/categories/Ear-Cuffs-Ear-Wraps/

POLYVORE  http://www.polyvore.com/ear_cuff_jewelry/shop?query=ear+cuff+jewelry

SHOP STYLE  http://www.shopstyle.com/shop/ear_cuffs

Sources:  http://www.thefashionspot.com/celebrity-fashion/177105-ear-cuffs-try-on-the-latest-celebrity-bling/

Designer Spotlight Week # 1

Bonnie Young is certainly a force to be reckoned with and a fashion powerhouse!  As an American designer best known for her unique philosophy and artistic spin, Bonnie Young's creations reflect glamour in every way, while infusing artistic and soulful undertones.  With over sixteen years of experience serving as the Senior Creative Director of the Donna Karan Collection, Bonnie Young was more than ready to take the plunge and start her own brand in 2006, and has since given new meaning and possibilities to children's luxury and couture.  With her first freestanding store in Aspen, Colorado, in addition to countless honors in top international publications, websites, as well as television appearances, Bonnie Young has been able to build quite the empire; gaining footprint in the women's fashion space with her first women's couture and ready-to-wear lines making their debut in 2013.  In addition to being a designing genius, Bonnie Young's impressive accomplishments extend into her humanitarian efforts, particularly, with the founding of "Fashion Fights for Children's Rights," an initiative which seeks to align her brand with countless children's charities.

For more on Bonnie Young, including access to her latest look books and much more, please visit bonnieyoung.com.

  

Product Applause Of The Week # 1:

Handbag Shaped Soft Cover Case For iPhone 5

When I first introduced my latest purchase to my family, the show and tell experience was immediately met with laughter and skepticism, followed by an instantly apologetic "That is actually a great concept!"  What could have possibly spawned such a whirlwind of reactions you might ask?  Why none other than a PHONE PURSE of course!

As females, we rarely have pockets, and when we do, the last thing we are looking to do is put things in them.  The PHONE PURSE is a fantastic solution to remaining hands free whether in the office or on the go.  Too often we find ourselves in a bind where we don't want to be lugging a purse around and yet we don't have anywhere to put our phone.  The PHONE PURSE remedies all of those worries because the product's sleek design is not only trendy and stylish, but functional too, providing the ability to loop the chain around your wrist at a moment's notice.

What's even better are the endless styles, colors, and designs to choose from.  Check out the sites below and order your PHONE PURSE today!!!

AMAZON  http://www.amazon.com/Pink-Handbag-Shaped-Cover-iPhone/dp/B009AVWEA4

FOCALPRICE  http://www.focalprice.com/IP3569P/Silicone_Handbag_Shaped_Floral_Protective_Case_for_iPhone_5_Pink.html

PURSECASE  http://pursecase.com/products/pursecase-pink-iphone-5-5s-5c

QVC  http://www.qvc.com/Pursecase-Smartphone-Case-With-Storage-By-Lori-Greiner.product.H202128.html

ROLF BLEU  http://www.rolfbleu.com/shop/avana-iphone-5-casepurse-in-hot-pink/

SHOP STYLE BY POPSUGAR  http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=cell+phone+purse


I would love to hear from you!  Comment below or send me an email at 50shadesofpinkandglitter@gmail.com.