FBFF: Would You Dare to Wear It Twice?

Apparently there's a trend sweeping the blogosphere of only wearing one item once. Who has enough room in their closet to do that? Not me! Katy of Modly Chic asked us to discuss this topic for FBFF this week.

China Glaze's "Fuchsia Fanatic" With a Touch of Glitter

I wore these colors on my nails for the taping of Mob Wives. I wanted to try something fun and what's more fun than glitter? The China Glaze color is called "Fuchsia Fanatic" and is from their Electrop Collection. It's a great color but I felt like I needed to jazz it up a bit for this event so I added this blue glitter. It's actually VERY old eye makeup (perhaps when I was trying out to be an drag queen). Remember my post about what to do with old eye makeup? That's exactly what I did here. It's from a brand called Girl Actik which sounds like something you buy at The Limited Too, which is surprisingly still in business.

I Went to a Taping of 'Mob Wives'!

I was invited by the lovely Nicole of Stye Me BAD to join her for a taping of Vh1's Mob Wives. Erin of Spikes and Sequins also joined us. We had no idea what to expect! But it was interesting to get a behind the scenes look of "reality" TV. Renee and Ramona were the only ones there. I wanted to meet Big Ang!

Review: Suave's Scalp Solutions Shampoo & Conditioner

Did you know that over 70% of people at some point in their life have dandruff and it's a constant problem for 10-20% of people between the ages of 18 and 40 years. According to Mayo Clinic, the causes of dandruff are: dry skin, irritated/oily skin, not shampooing often enough, as well as skin issues like Psoriasis and Eczema. I always thought the white flakes meant that you didn't wash the shampoo out of your hair enough. My scalp has been feeling dry lately so I was interested to give Suave Scalp Solutions a try. Suave Scalp Solutions is clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of dandruff and smell great!

Trend I'm Currently Craving: Peplum

Currently Craving Peplum by kimberleevdw

A popular trend that has hit the runways and the streets is peplums! I've been dying to get my hands on a great peplum top. Unfortunately, I have yet to find one! Now you may think as a curvy woman, I should be avoiding peplum but it can actually be quite flattering! When selecting a peplum piece here are some guidelines to follow:

Man Style I'm Loving: Lip Gallagher from Shameless

Image via Tumblr

Phillip Gallagher played by Jeremy Allen White a.k.a. "Lip" is the oldest brother of the Gallagher clan on Showtime's Shameless. For those who don't know: Shameless is about a family of 6 kids living in Chicago who's Dad, played by William H. Macy, is an alcoholic so the oldest kid Fiona, played by Emily Rossum, must raise them. It sounds like a totally depressing plot and there are sad moments but overall it's a comedy. Lip is a bad boy who smokes and drinks heavily even though he's just a senior in high school. I love his style, especially this season because it was summer... so it was less clothes. Sshh Although he's playing a 17 year old, he's actually 21 so I can ogle him shirtless.

Starlet vs Streetwalker: Leggings Edition

One of my favorite shows Fashion Police on E! has a game called "Starlet or Streetwalker?" which shows that there is a fine line between high-end fashion and highly unfortunate. I thought a great way to demonstrate how a fashionable look can go wrong is with leggings. Nicole Richie is one my favorite people who wears leggings. She does it so effortlessly while Katie Price on the other hand tries to be too sexy.

Great Reads of the Week

Here's a round up of posts I enjoyed reading this week:

- Gala Darling discusses how wearing 5 inch heels and dyeing your hair pink doesn't mean you can't empower women to love themselves.

How Not to Impress Me On A Date

I posted an outfit pic about my first How About We date and many of you wanted to know how it went. Pretty sure you can tell by the title of this post... not well. Online dating has been quite the adventure but it's provided good material for blogging (lol!). I don't want you to think I mean "impress" as in fancy cars, fancy restaurants, flashing hundred dollar bills. That quite frankly would put me off. I'm not being all high and mighty thinking I'm the ish but I do think I'm a catch and deserve a certain amount of respect. First dates are always about giving a good first impression. You don't want to be misleading but you should put your best foot forward. Show that you're a great person to hang out with and can hold an adult conversation. A simple request.... or so I thought. Now some of the following points MAY seem obvious but these were no no's he committed. I figured sharing was caring and perhaps some other gentlemen can learn from his mistakes.

Color Blocking in My Rachel Roy Pants

Pants: Rachel Roy; Shirt: Banana Republic; Necklace: H&M; Bag: Aldo; Shoes: Naturalizer via Zappos; Jewelry: Ann Taylor Loft & Kohl's

When I saw these Rachel Roy pants on MYHABIT - I had to have them! I've been on a spending spree of bright pants. However, after being slightly let down by the color of my J.Crew pants (they weren't as bright as the website showed them), I was a little nervous the same would happen with these pants. Thankfully that was not the case! Since I was going with a bold look, I decided to opt for nude shoes. Aso, I love these t-shirts from B. Repub because they're so comfortable and come in many great colors.

Essie Luxeffects "A Cut Above"

I received Essie's luxeffects "A Cut Above" in my Teen Vogue Birchbox. It is described as "shattered pink diamond glitz" that is a top coat you can layer. I choose to put it on top of Zoya's "Avril" which is a soft pink color. I loved the combo, don't you?

Check Me Out on Betty Confidential Today!

I had the pleasure of being featured as one of the 11 Stylish Bloggers Who Dish on Their Fave Spring Fashion Trends. I talked about my love of mint this season! So much so I even created a Pinterest board about it. Here's some of the mint inspirations I've pinned:

Go Vintage Shopping This Weekend!

I wanted to let you all know about a great event with Vintage Shaun called "Sip 'n Shop" this Saturday and Sunday in Brooklyn, New York. She hosts these every so often and I highly recommend them. Sip on vintage inspired cocktails, shop your favorite vintage items and also get a sneak preview of Dee Lioness Jewelry. The weather has been fabulous here in the city so take advantage! RSVP to the email above. Happy Shopping!

My 16 Handles Date Outfit

Jeans and sweater: H&M; Ballet flats: Target (similar here); Satchel: Aldo, Rose gold rings: Ann Taylor Loft

I had my first How About We date last night. It's a site where you propose date ideas. We ended up ignoring the original plan and just met up at 16 Handles. 16 Handles is a frozen yogurt place where you can add your toppings like cinnamon toast crunch, gummy bears, or brownie bites. It's amazing! Since it was just frozen yogurt, I decided to keep it casual even though my Twitter peeps wanted me to wear heels and a dress. I went with what I feel comfortable in: jeans and flats.

My St. Patrick's Day Mystery Julep Maven Box

I finally received my mystery Julep Maven box. Unfortunately, it didn't arrive by St. Patrick's Day but it was a great box. I feel like I get more in my mystery boxes than my usual monthly box. Doesn't it look like a lot?

Spring is in the Air!

Spring inspiration by kimberleevdw 

Today is the first official day of Spring! With spring comes floral prints, wedges, pastel colors and wide brimmed hats. Don't be afraid of color this season!

Book Review: "The Beauty Bias" by Deborah L. Rhode

Finally finished reading Deborah L. Rhode's "The Beauty Bias: The Injustice of Appearance in Life and Law" after starting in September. While I was researching a post for Spa Week, this book was suggested so I was intrigued. Ms. Rhodes is the Ernest W. McFarland Professor of Law and the Director of the Center on the Legal Profession at Stanford University. The Beauty Bias explores our cultural preoccupation with attractiveness, the costs it imposes and the responses it demands according to the back label.

Spring Cleaning My Closet

Before: Cramped quarters

With spring officially starting tomorrow, I thought this weekend was good as any other to do some spring cleaning in my closet. I usually go through twice a year and donate clothes that I haven't worn in awhile because in Manhattan you don't get very big closets! However, this time I thought I would take it a step further and lay everything out on the floor to really see what I had in my closet. And oh boy!

My March MyGlam Bag

Well look what came in the mail! Just when I thought my MyGlam bag was lost... it shows up. The tracking information reported it delivered on Thursday but I hadn't received it but then it showed up randomly on Saturday. I've heard they've had issues with shipping. The "theme" of the bag was repairing and restoring your skin after a long harsh winter. The bag is a cute nature looking bag. I was looking forward to a new one since the zipper broke on my last one. The card included ALL the items you MAY receive so it looked like a lot but actually wasn't that much.

What to Do With Those Hanger Strings... Easy DIY!

You know those stupid strings that are sewn into your shirts (usually from H&M)? They annoy me to no end! I have no idea what they're meant for but I always end up cutting them out. I have accumulated quite a few so I thought of a creative way to put them to use. A bracelet!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

                                                               Source: dressdesigndecor.blogspot.com via reen on Pinterest

Today is a special day not because I'm half Irish but because it's my sister's birthday!! My sister Keri (a.k.a. Ladera Mom) is turning 30! She's not too happy about it. I don't see guys mocking each other on their 30th birthdays about how they're 'over the hill.' 30 is still young ladies! She has accomplished so much in life at 30: she has a master's degree from Pepperdine, married her high school sweetheart, had two beautiful boys, has a great job (recently promoted!). 30 is essentially one third of your life (most of us are living to 90 now). That's not a lot people. Yes, it's a huge milestone but women don't need to be depressed by it. I'm depressed by my 20s because you make so many stupid mistakes, you're still figuring out who you are. I'm looking forward to my 30s because I'll be more self-assured and have a career going for myself.

My Teen Vogue Birchbox

Well look what finally came in the mail! I was just tweeting earlier today how I felt like I was the last one to receive my Birchbox this month. I opted for the Teen Vogue curated box which beauty guru Eva Chen selected her favorite items. I love following her on Twitter. The packaging was similar to the typical Birchbox with pink tissue paper but with some red so it reminded me of Valentine's Day.

St. Patrick's Day Nails

I thought I would get festive with this week's link up with some St. Patrick's Day themed nails. I added some gold glitter at the bottom of my nail and drew four leave clovers by dipping a bobby pin tip into nail polish (great trick!).

The Swap Event Recap at Wix Lounge

We did it! I think it's safe to say the swap event last night was a success. Thank you so much to everyone who came out and showed their support. It meant so much to me and the other hosts! It was my first time ever organizing an event from start to finish so I wanted everything to be perfect. Unfortunately that meant Kim went into stress case mode and I apologize for not going around and socializing more. I just wanted to make sure everyone else enjoyed themselves but forgot to enjoy the night myself. Thankfully my friend Nicole of Style Me BAD went around and took photos for me because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to recap the event for you!

Review: Maybelline's Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow

I've been wanting to try Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Tattoo eyeshadow after reading the reviews from Fab Fatale and A Brilliant Brunette. I was worried that they might be a little too pigmented for my taste so they recommended "Tough as Taupe" for a more natural looking color. It was around $7 at my local drugstore and is about the same size as a MAC paint pot. It claims to be a super saturated color that doesn't fade. The color was really creamy and when I swatched it on my hand it wouldn't rub off!

See You At the Swap Tonight!

Via Swap.com

The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day for a swap! I'm so excited for the NYC Bloggers Swap 'Til You Drop Event tonight. I've been up all night cutting cheese, my brother's girlfriend baked delicious brownies, and the wine will be flowing... should be a good night. Goodwill graciously will accept all donations at the end of the evening and your donations keep 50 million tons out of landfills a year and allow Goodwill's great programs to happen (enabling them to give veterans coats in the winter, help people with disabilities earn a living, get kids into safe summer camps where they have the freedom and support to explore their dreams...).

Book Review: "Being Digital" by Nicholas Negroponte

I was reading through my usual social media reading list and found a blog that mentioned "Being Digital" by Nicholas Negroponte. How have I not read this?! I ordered it immediately and read it in just a few short hours. It was written nearly 20 years ago in 1995 by the head of MIT's Media Lab department and his predictions for the revolution of multimedia are spot on.

My First Makeup Monthly Box!

I became a member of Makeup Monthly's Nail Club after seeing it another blog. She received Essie polishes so I wanted in! It's $20 a month to receive "name brand, quality cosmetics at a fraction of the retail price."

Review: Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant

I've heard such wonderful things about Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant and was so excited to finally receive a sample in my Sample Society box. The site says it's safe for all skin types and "this unique Rice-based enzyme powder microfoliates dulling debris and instantly leaves skin noticeably smoother and brighter."

Great Reads of the Week

Hope everyone "sprung forward" today with Daylight Savings time. It's been a hot minute since I've posted one of these! I think it's time to bring it back and share some posts I enjoyed reading this week:

7 Lessons Bloggers Can Learn From Carrie Bradshaw

Carrie Bradshaw hard at work

I was having dinner with my dad and his former boss recently and she said that I reminded her of Carrie Bradshaw with my working from home and all (or I like to think it was because of my big bun and statement accessories). Now I didn't move to NYC aspiring to be like Carrie Bradshaw (I hadn't even watched the show) but I know many women did. I grew up wanting to come to New York and hadn't started watching the series until I was already living in the city. Although Carrie Bradshaw is a fictional character, her dreams and aspirations are very real for many of us bloggers.

Lady Inspiration Week: 60 and Up

Image via

We've come to the end of Lady Inspiration Week and we're finishing with the ladies who are old enough to retire but still put the girls half their age to shame showing age is just a number!

Essie's "Mint Candy Apple"

After seeing all the beautiful swatches during the Nails Link Up of Essie's "Mint Candy Apple" I went out and bought it myself! Isn't she gorgeous?

IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: MARCH 8TH

I'm so excited to be included in this female empowerment themed IFB Links à la Mode! Be sure to check out all the other articles featured below:

Lady Inspiration Week: 50 Somethings

                                                                                              Source: owanorthamerica.com via Emy on Pinterest

Happy International Women's Day! It lines up wonderfully with Lady Inspiration Week. Today we focus on the 50 something year olds:

My First Sample Society Box

I mentioned BeautyBar.com's new beauty sample site called Sample Society in which they partnered with Allure last month. I quickly signed up! After being disappointed by MyGlam bag, I had high hopes for Sample Society which is $15 a month vs the usual $10 (so those samples better be awesome!). I will say that I had a lot of issues with their customer service before even receiving my box. First, there was an issue charging my card then there was a delay on shipping. However, after all that frustration... I really liked my box!

Wearing My Thakoon For Target Dress

Dress: Target; Purple tights: Target; Bracelet: Ann Taylor Loft (similar here); Oxfords: Zappos; Satchel: Vintage 

I've had this Thakoon for Target dress for over a year and hadn't figured out a way to wear it. I moved it up in my closet so I would grab it for a Fashion Week event but it didn't get to see the light. So on Monday when I had an alumni networking event, I thought it would be a great time to wear it! I wore purple tights to bring out the purple in the print and simple accessories to let the print be the statement.

Lady Inspiration Week: 40 Somethings

Twenty is the new forty they say and these ladies have me believing it!


Naomi Klein has written several books, most notably The Shock Doctrine. I definitely say it's a must read if you want to be an educated voter in this country. She is a tremendous activist who has been out there with the Occupy movement (and typically gets arrested). The shocking fact that one of our country's greatest activists is Canadian. Sometimes it can take an outside perspective to recognize our flaws. I can't wait for her next book!

Review: Maybelline's Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation

Maybelline has released a new foundation which claims to be lightweight because it is air infused. It contains SPF 16 (random number), doesn't clog pores and is allergy tested. I purchased the lightest shade - 110 Porcelain Ivory - because that's what I usually have to do. It costs around $10 for 1.6 oz.

Lady Inspiration Week: 30 Somethings

Rachel Maddow

Continuing on with Lady Inspiration Week, I'd like to spotlight women in their 30s who inspire me:


Rachel Maddow broke down barriers in the political world being the first openly gay host. Not only did she accomplish that but it earned her own show! Maddow reminds us of what news reporting used to be: reporting the hard facts than showing a bias. She was able to pursue the career she dreamed of while not having to sacrifice who she is. 

Lady Inspiration Week: 20 Somethings

In honor of National Women's History Month, I decided to dedicate a week to ladies on my blog. Rather than do something like "Man Candy Week" and point out my girl crushes. I thought it would be better to shine the spotlight on some fabulous women who are breaking grounds in their own fields and for women around the world. These women make no apologies for who they are, nor should they. They have their own individual style. They stand out among the noise of women being overtly sexual and use their brains to make a difference and contribute to society. I broke it down by age to show that age is just a number and to show you that it's never too late to be great! Now let's start with the 20 something year olds:

NYC Bloggers Swap 'Til You Drop Event

I'm hosting my first event! A lot a lot a lot a lot (did I mention a lot?) of work went into planning and making this event happen. I'm so excited for it to all finally come together. I'll be hosting along with Laura of LOL Beauty, Chris of The Tiny Tie Rant, Tessa of Couture Lust, and Kristina of Beauty in NYC. We wanted to create an event that was fun and relaxed so that the local bloggers could get to know each other better and what better way to do that than a swap?! Not only will you have a chance to network with other bloggers but you may walk away with some sweet new items without spending a dime.

Jackson Pollock Nail Art Tutorial

Inspiration

Jackson Pollock was known for his paint splatter technique rather than using actual brushes strokes. I thought I'd do a little update to my Blood Splatter nails with neon colors. I used:

My March Julep Maven Box

My monthly Julep Maven box already arrived - happy times! This box was definitely an improvement from the last. I received: