10 Pop Songs That Sum Up My Life

                                                                   Source: extratv.warnerbros.com via Anne on Pinterest

I'm not a religious person but one religion I subscribe to is music. Florence Welch's voice takes me to church. Adele's "Someone Like You" makes me teary eyed every time I hear it. Music is a very powerful art form that can reach so many. Sometimes you feel like a musician has read your personal diary with the lyrics that they've written. I recently joined Chill, which is a video sharing site and it started bringing memories back. I even created a '90s R&B album (good times). I thought about some songs that really rang true to me at certain moments in my life and I thought I'd share them:

Glamazon Retreat Media Event in NYC

During New York Fashion Week I had the pleasure of attending the Glamazon Retreat event hosted by Makeda of Glamazon Diaries at The Bowery House. It was a great gathering of bloggers and press on a rainy day with delicious snacks courtesy of Chef Katrina Cunning.

Review: Comodynes Makeup Remover Wipes

My mother kindly picked up these Comodynes Convenient Cosmetics makeup wipes for me since they're eco-friendly. She purchased them in California at Trader Joe's. I had never heard of the brand before I was willing try. They are meant to replace your cleanser, toner and eye makeup remover. I tried the wipes for sensitive skin with oats. Definitely had an oatmeal smell. All towlettes are 100% natural viscose.

Best & Worst Dressed at the 84th Annual Academy Awards

Just when I thought Gwyneth Paltrow stole the show in white Tom Ford along came Angelina Jolie came along to show that she knows how to work a red carpet in velvet Versace. Both ladies killed it!

Shop My Closet: Type Z Military Inspired Booties

You know when you see a girl who can't walk in heels and you think to yourself "why are they even trying, they look ridiculous." Well time for me to give up the dream. I cannot walk in heels. It's not pretty. These bad boys are a 4" inch heels with a hidden platform in the front. I wish I could keep them! Type Z is a brand on Zappos and if you check out their styles most of the shoes are around $100. I'm offering them at a great steal for $60 (including free shipping to all US orders). They a zipper on the inside and have three decorative buttons as well as have a little window for some toe cleavage. They are a size 5. I've worn them a few times so I will point out that there is a scratch on the front of the left shoe. Type Z bag included for storage.

My Favorite Kind of Undies

Now this may be a TMI post but I've seen bloggers post their lingerie favorites so I thought I'd share mine! I have not worked my way up to fancy matching lace panties and bras. Aerie is my kind of underwear. Aerie for those who don't know are affiliated with American Eagle.

Brand Review: AMBE

During Nolcha Fashion Week, there was a table display for AMBE skincare and attendees received a sample size of their full line of products. As a beauty junkie, I always enjoy learning and trying out new brands. Ambe was developed by plastic surgeon Dr. Milind K. Ambe who saw a need for safe skincare forumlas that produced results. Their products are "engineered to correct the multiple factors that contribute to the appearance of aged skin: wrinkles and fine lines, dullness, pore size, creeping, skin tone, dehydration, uneven pigmentation, age spots and rough texture."

FBFF: Let's Talk Tech

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So much of what we bloggers do is all about the tools that we use. Technology certainly makes what we do easier, even if it is sometimes a major pain.

Half Moon Nails

What better way to show off two nail new polishes than a half moon manicure? On Valentine's Day, Julep offered buy one, get one free deal on their nail polishes. I couldn't resist! Emmanuelle is a gorgeous nude cream color and Helena is a bright fuchsia color. I'm happy with both!

Review: e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer

When e.l.f. offers free shipping, I like to pick up a few items like this Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer. It claims it will "transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas. Developed to combat excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines to result in a natural, youthful looking radiance." The primer is described as leaving a "lasting satin finish."

Red Carpet Trend I Want to Wear: Belts!

The Oscars are this Sunday but I already know which red carpet trend I want to try! Bloggers like Wardrobe Oxygen constantly remind me how much I need to step up my belt game. Now the stars have been gracing the red carpet showing how it's done as a sophisticated evening look.

How I Survived High School

Rachel getting slushied

Last night Glee's touched on LGBT teen bullying and later that night MTV featured it's special "It Gets Better" where they followed three LGBT teens who were looking for acceptance from friends and family and society. I don't know about you, but high school wasn't a fun experience. I didn't fit into any of the social groups (although I look back at that with fondness now) and remember the stress of thinking your world was over if you got one bad grade. I'm not claiming to understand what these LGBT teens are going through today. As Glee pointed out, with Facebook and Twitter the ease of bullying has increased and is even more rapid. However, I thought it might be helpful to share how I got through high school in case any of you reading this are feeling like it's never going to get better.

Best Winged Eyeliner on TV

Collette Valois played by Karine Vanasse on ABC's Pan Am looks super fresh with her winged eyeliner look. To achieve this look I recommend Maybelline's Lash Stiletto mascara for a simple look and Stila's All Day Waterproof Eyeliner.

7 Ways to Style Your Outgrown Bangs

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Valerie on Pinterest

We've all seen the video Shit Fashion Girls Say. That is definitely me about my relationship with bangs. I want bangs, I want bangs. I hate my bangs. I prefer bangs in the winter because I don't want them sweaty and sticking to my forehead in the summer. However, bangs are difficult to maintain especially when you don't have the thickest of hair. I tend to get lazy and let them overgrow. There's an awkward stage while your hair grows out as I'm sure every girl knows.

TV Review: HBO's "Life's Too Short"

The show follows real life actor, Warwick Davis, who has starred in Star Wars and Willow. It is written and produced by the master, Mr. Ricky Gervais himself. Warwick peaked as an actor and now the gigs aren't coming in as often as they used to. This is something all actors struggle with but Davis and Gervais give it a fresh perspective by focusing on the life of a dwarf actor. Warwick says he's doing a documentary about himself because he wants people to "see a sophisticated dwarf walking about town" but he's really doing it to help his career. He views Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (who play themselves) as "friends" but they honestly can't stand him. It is the Ricky Gervais touch of creating an ego maniac character who is out of touch with reality.

GIVEAWAY!: Stone Savant Jewelry

I received these earrings at a recent blogger meetup during New York Fashion Week. Stone Savant Jewelry are handcrafted semi-precious stones and jewels.  They are meant to be statement pieces and these Tektite Tribeca Earrings definitely make a statement. Unfortunately, I don't have pierced ears but the good news is... YOU get to benefit!

My First MyGlam Bag!

I signed up with MyGlam after reading so many wonderful things in the blogosphere. It was founded by beauty blogger, Michelle Phan. It costs the same as Birchbox ($10 a month) but you supposedly get larger samples and a bag. My February bag was super cute with polka dot hearts, which went with the Valentine's theme.

I Wore Shorts in the Winter!

Top: J.Crew (seen during BDIB); Shorts: Old Navy; Tights: Hanes (gifted); Oxfords: Zappos (similar here); Double finer studded ring: nOir; Lipstick: Revlon's 712 Hot Coral

I've been wanting to try this trend for a long time now. I've seen bloggers pull it off nicely like Cinderella's Closet. I wore this look for the Samantha Black fashion show. These Old Navy shorts have been in my dresser for ages and thought they would look cute with tights. They have a sateen finish so I wanted to wear them for a sophisticated evening look but not brave enough to wear them bare legged. Overall, I really liked the look and my legs weren't that cold!

How do you think I did?

Thanks Laf Out Loud Beauty for taking this pic!

Review: NuMe Flat Iron

For $25 I got $125 worth of hair styling products from Nume. After redeeming on Lifebooker, I received a coupon code for when I checked out. I only had to pay $8 for shipping. So in total I spent $33 for a $175 flat iron! I ordered the petite flat iron in blue.

Samantha Black Fall/Winter 2012 Runway Show

First, the R&B singer Olivia performed and sounded great (pictured above). Then there was a mini fashion show by some designers I don't know before Samantha Black's show started. I wasn't a fan of the style so I'll just keep the photos to her collection. The collection was titled "Midnight Lux" and was held at the Broad Street Ballroom, which was a massive space. I had never heard of the designer but apparently she appeared on the Vh1 show Love & Hip Hop.

Nolcha Fashion Week Recap

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending Nolcha Fashion Week. It was their 11th season - congrats! It features independent designers who might not otherwise be able to afford top dollar to show at Lincoln Center. It is a great mix of international designers so you get to see a variety all in one show. Here's a recap of the 5 shows I got to see:

Laura Smalls Fall/Winter '12 Runway Show

I had the pleasure of attending Laura Smalls Fall/Winter 2012 runway show at the Empire Hotel right across from Lincoln Center. The theme was "American Plains Princess" and the models wore feathers in their hair. " This collection was inspired by old photos she found of her great grandfather - Chief War Eagle of the Cherokee Nation, and infuses color and print to evoke images of landscapes and skies using shades of burnt reds, honey, saffron and tea."

Reem Acra Fall/Winter '12 Runway Show

While I was hanging out at the Daily Style Sessions lounge during New York Fashion Week, a girl offered me her ticket to Reem Acra's show. Sweet! As you can see by the photo above, I wasn't able to get good shots so I apologize that I'm sadly using Style.com photos (I hate seeing them all over blogs!) but I have to be resourceful I guess. "Feminine Power" was the inspiration for the collection. "Shown in a second skin of leather outfits, mixed with underpinnings of lace and chiffons - the bold contrasting fabrics, patterns and texutres come together like pieces of a unique puzzle - effortlessly falling into place to reveal confidence, beauty, strength, and freedom; empowering women to create their own style... a cause worthy of fireworks!" I love that!

My Current Reading List

I stumbled upon "Book Club Friday" during my Nail Files link-up. I know it's been awhile since my last book review but thought I'd give an update on my reading list.

Currently reading:

O.P.I's "Meet Me On The Star Ferry"

This is part of their Hong Kong collection. I think the color is gorgeous!

Wearing My Jason Wu For Target Blouse

Blouse: Jason Wu for Target; Skinny jeans: Ann Taylor LOFT; Black booties: Zappos; Jewelry: Ann Taylor LOFT ring (similar here) and bracelet, DIY chain link ribbon bracelet

I was so excited to finally receive my Jason Wu for Target items in the mail and what better occasion to wear them than NYFW? The cream/pink polka dot blouse had a spring feel so I kept the accessories spring-esque as well. It is pretty sheer but I wore a nude bra so you couldn't see much. On the downside there were buttons on the sleeves that made it a little snug on my upper arm. I have them unbuttoned in the pic (can you tell?).

Lars Andersson Fall/Winter '12 Presentation

I attended the Lars Andersson Fall/Winter 2012 presentation during New York Fashion Week. If I could sum up the show it would be - gothic chic. The models were almost all head to toe black. The music was eerie. There was little lighting except for a few light bulbs hanging.

Brandon Sun Fall/Winter '12 Presentation

Brandon Sun showed at the box in Lincoln Center. It was an amazing collection! I definitely think he'll have his own runway show next season. It was a very dark, eerie setting as you walked around the models.

DIY: Chain Link Ribbon Bracelet

This DIY is so easy to do! I had a chain link bracelet from when I purchased a Bee's Charms bracelet but unfortunately the charms fell off. I loved the bracelet and already spent money on it so couldn't get rid of it. I always keep left over ribbon from presents (I'm a gift wrapping recycler) and found this gorgeous green ribbon lying around and thought I could do something with that!

Concept Korea Fall/Winter '12 Fashion Collection

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I had the pleasure of attending the Concept Korea presentation where some of the top emerging designers from Korea come to show at New York Fashion Week.

My Julep Maven Mystery Valentine's Day Box

I recently joined the Julep Maven program where you receive nail polish and nail care supplies for $19.99 a month. When they offered to send me a mystery box for Valentine's Day, I happily accepted! It came in a red box with a delicious heart chocolate candy. I received two nail polishes, nail therapy polish, more of their hand cream, nail appliques, and star confetti for nail art.

Review: LA Fresh's Waterproof Makeup Remover Wipes

I received two samples of LA Fresh's Eco-Beauty Waterproof Makeup Remover in my February Birchbox. I really wanted to give this product a try since I've been looking for more eco-friendly beauty products. It is 100% biodegradable, made of natural ingredients and cruelty free.

Best and Worst Dressed at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards

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It was a somber evening with the passing of Whitney Houston the day before but it was a nice to celebrate music. They did a good job honoring Whitney throughout the night including Jennifer Hudson singing "I Will Always Love You" during the In Memoriam portion. Who didn't tear up? LL Cool J did a good job as host (the first in 7 years!). But now on to the fashion:

Helios & Luna A/W '12 Presentation

I had the pleasure of attending the Autumn/Winter '12 presentation of Helios & Luna. The designer, Patricia Clyne, said that she was influenced by British modern conceptual artist Martin Creed. I included a picture (top right) of one of his bold stripes.

RIP Whitney Houston

Wow, a post I didn't think I'd ever be writing. Then again I thought that about Amy Winehouse. She was only 48. She was one of the best selling artists of our time with over 170 million albums sold worldwide. Her accomplishments are staggering: 6 Grammys, 30 Billboard Awards, 22 American Music Awards, and 2 Emmys. She captured our hearts in the '80s as a sweet girl singing "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."

popchips Gets Sweet for Valentine's Day

Sweet potato that is! I received a Klout perk of a box of popchips and happily accepted (it's unfortunately no longer available). These are great snacks because they are not baked, all natural, gluten free, 100 calorie potato chips that are actually delicious. I love sweet potatoes so I was excited to receive a box of them! It ended up being Valentine's Day themed...

Obakki Fall/Winter '12 Presentation

The first presentation of Fashion Week I attended was Obakki's Fall/Winter 2012 presentation at the Midtown Lofts. They are a Canadian fashion house that is described as being "effortlessly cool." Celebrity fans include Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Tyra Banks, and Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast (love that a blogger is listed as a celebrity!). They have an online retail store which includes some reasonably priced items including dresses around $175. They are also available in retail stores around the world including Shopbop and Ron Herman.

My February Birchbox

This month's Birchbox finally arrived and the theme was "Spotlight." The samples were designed to shine a spotlight on you and your awesomeness. The wrapping was silver and gold. I liked the change up of color since I'm not a big pink fan.

3 Valentine's Day Manicure Ideas

Don't know what to wear on your nails for Valentine's Day? Here are some ideas...

1. Plum Truffle Effect by CND. This collection features a deep red color along with a sparkly top coat. It's an elegant and simple nail idea. I received these in my goody bag from the Kitty Bradshaw event. I love the top coat!

Review: Korres Lip Butter

While shopping at Trader Joe's my mother graciously picked up a few organic beauty products including this Korres Lip Butter. I'm a lip product junkie. I have AT LEAST three lip products in my purse at all times. I've heard great things about Korres products and have always wanted to try the brand. I'm also a huge guava fan so it was a great flavor to try... or so I thought.

Proud Sister Moment!

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A few months ago my sister was thinking about making a blog. I felt compelled to be her mentor and try to help guide her as best as I can. She's a mother of two young boys who works full-time so granted her blog is a work in progress. But she's already had her first big feature on Mom Crunch of Babble.com! The post was about how awkward it is to have your parents read your blog and she was quoted:

6 Things to Do When Single On Valentine's Day

Image via We Heart It

I originally wrote this post for Lovelyish but thought I'd give it a little update. 

Yes, another year and Kim will be single on Valentine's Day. I used to be very anti- Valentine's Day and wear black (so dramatic). I thought it was a holiday invented to make single people feel bad about being single. That was until I was in a relationship on Valentine's Day... guess what? Not so great. There is so much pressure on couples to have such an amazing, romantic day that it ends up not being that fun. Most couples I know don't bother doing anything for the day because they feel they should make time for each other all the time, not just one day. Despite what you might think, it can actually be fun to be single on Valentine's Day. Here are some ideas:

Movie Review: The Artist

With 16 Oscar nominations... I felt compelled to see The Artist. Wow, what a powerful movie. In today's society most production companies don't think audiences will like a movie unless there are loud explosions. This black and white silent movie crushes that notion and shows that audience can appreciate the art of cinema in 2012.

New York Fashion Week Has Arrived!

Although New York Fashion Week doesn't officially begin until February 9th, presentations are already underway. I have the pleasure of being a New York Fashion Week guest editor for de la pen this season as well as covering shows for my own blog. I will also be covering Nolcha Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week. I'd love to say 'hello' to everyone in person so if you're around hit me up on Twitter: @KimberleeVDW. Hopefully I'll get to see most of you at Bloggers Night Out on Friday. Busy! Busy! Busy! Tonight I am attending the Obakki Fall 2012 presentation. Stay tuned!

Image Source

Why Do Women Torture Themselves For Beauty?

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I don't have an answer to this question, but wanted to explore the topic. During a recent trip to Le Salon East for my yearly trim using a Lifebooker discount (55% off!), I saw gas masks. I was bewildered. I've never seen that at a salon before. I asked my hair stylist and he explained it was for the Keratin hair straightening treatment. I unfortunately had to sit next to the girl and smell the fumes... awful! It smelled like something was burning. Well it was actually because they use a flat iron to straighten the hair after spraying the Keratin product on the hair. I've heard about these treatments but never knew how dangerous they actually were. If you have to wear a mask to get your hair done... it is probably not a good idea.

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I went home and did some research to find that the hair straightening treatments contain high levels of formaldehyde, which is now classified as a carcinogenic. According to WebMD, exposure to formaldehyde can cause general malaise, runny nose, sore throat, headache, itching, and irritated eyes. The article continues to discuss the controversy: "In early September 2011, the FDA publicly warned the Brazilian Blowout hair care company that its hair-straightening products contain 'dangerously high levels' of formaldehyde. The levels ranged from 8.7% to 10.4%."

Your follicles are attached to your scalp so any products you apply will sap into your skin. Like this woman who died from an allergic reaction to the glue on her hair extensions. This New York Times article describes the the side effects and risk that not only the customer can obtain but the hair stylists as well. Scary stuff. And to think you spent several hundred dollars for something that will only last a couple months but could also cause serious health problems.

Chris Rock touched on the extremes black women go to get European looking hair in his documentary aptly titled Good Hair.  I highly recommend it. Black hair care products is a 10 billion (yes, BILLION!) dollar industry according to this Huffington Post article. The dangerous methods of hair care as gone beyond black women and all races are wearing weaves and getting Brazilian blowouts or Keratin treatments. The girls of Jersey Shore talk about their weaves all the time. As a white girl with straight hair, I don't get it. I find my hair pretty boring. I have always wanted an afro! I'm all for the natural hair movement. Women always want the hair that they don't have. Straight haired girls want curly hair and curly haired girls want straight hair. It's sad that the beauty industry teaches us to spend billions of dollars to change our looks rather than telling us we're beautiful.

As I mentioned, I was just getting a trim. I hardly do anything dramatic to my hair except for the occasional bangs. It's "virgin" hair which means I've never dyed it. I've added color streaks but never changed my natural hair color. As my friend Candy pointed out on Twitter, men do not notice these extreme measures we take:

It's so true. Even the tools we use (i.e. tweezers, eyelash curlers) look like torture devices. All for what? A guy NOT to notice? It just gives men a false sense of beauty. We're only doing it to ourselves ladies.

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The most extreme pain I've put myself through for the opposite sex was a bikini wax. I actually didn't mind it because I'm not a fan of hair and it leaves you smooth for at least a month. The hairs grow back really soft unlike with shaving. The other painful beauty measure I do is tweezing. But I like a fuller brow look so it's just plucking my unibrow area every 2 weeks. As far as a beauty routine... I paint my nails as my own artistic expression. I wear makeup on occasion for the drama (gotta please those drag queens!) or to try a fun new look. I don't cake on makeup with dates and set unrealistic expectations of what I'll look like the morning after. In fact, all of my boyfriends have complemented me more WITHOUT makeup on then with. I hate those romantic comedies where the girl wakes up fresh faced (i.e. obviously with tons of makeup on). Come on ladies... we know how unrealistic it is. If you want to look good in the morning, invest in good skincare (not makeup!).

I could go on about this but as my girl RuPaul would say: LOVE YOURSELF! Trust me, the white girl with straight hair wants your out of control curly hair! Work with what you've got. The beauty industry is not your friend nor the standard. You are. All the ads are Photoshopped to death anyways. Buy a lipstick because you want to rock a bright pink lip for your birthday party... NOT because you read in Cosmo that men loved red lipstick. And if you really hate your hair that much... shave it off and wear wigs. Seriously, it's much healthier for you.

What is the most extreme thing you've done for beauty?

China Glaze Electropop Collection Swatches

L-R: Fucshia Fanatic, Dance Baby, Electric Beat, Kinetic Candy, Sweet Hook, Gothic Lolita