Aunt Carla: March 2009

Monday, March 30, 2009

Opi's South Beach Collection Review:

Take a lesson from Crayola’s book and go back to the drawing board!

Anyone who knows me is familiar with my appreciation of colors. When asked what's my favorite color, my response is usually "All of them!" There are just too many to choose from and I don't want to leave out one. As a child I placed Barbie aside and collected Crayola Crayons and paint..... Sometimes mixing together the paint and nail polish. They allowed me to express my self and creativity. Now that I look back, I was a cosmetologist in training but didn't know it. As I look at this season's nail lacquer collection, I can't help but to reminisce on my childhood memories.

I viewed Opi’s highly anticipated 2009 South Beach collection and have to say that I am very disappointed. This collection lacked bright hues gloss. Even the “Brightest of Bright” is outwardly dull. These shades are said to “Capture the color, the fashion, and the trend-setting excitement from the world’s most stylish celeb playground” but it does not. I don’t get the South Beach impression when I look at these colors. When I think of South Beach the colors that I envision are Sunset Orange, Laser Lemon, Salmon, Inch Worm, Caribbean Green, Pacific Blue, Pink Flamingo, Scarlet, and Radical Red (to name a few). It disappoints me when companies spend more money on marketing and advertising than the actual quality of the product.

Opi should take a lesson from Crayola’s book and go back to the drawing board.

Would I recommend buying from this collection: No, instead opt for Sephora by Opi. Same name, older colors and better varieties, but it’ll have to do for now ... here are 3 of my go for it! picks

I'm Wired

Charge It! (24k gold)

Arm Candy

Saturday, March 28, 2009

THIERRY MUGLER reveals SASHA FIERCE!

From Superstar to Super Hero

Introducing Ms. Sasha Fierce ..... there is no competition!

Last year Beyonce was so inspired by Thierry Mugler's design at the Metropolitian Museum of Art's Superheroes exhibition that she instantly hired him to creatively mastermind her 2009 world tour for the welcoming of her alter ego Sasha Fierce! Miss Sasha is known for her energetic, sassy, ass popping, jaw dropping performances. Mugler explained to WWD, "Sasha Fierce is another aspect of Beyonce’s personality. She is Fierce on stage and Beyonce in real life. I tried to understand these two sides with my own perception of both aspects." He added that the spirit he is trying to evoke is,"The duality between being a woman and a warrior." As Beyonce's Creative Director, Thierry has managed both the lighting and sets for the tour in which Sasha is expected to outdo herself once again. I'm really feeling this getup. Give it to Beyonce/ Sasha to turn up the heat and stomp on her competitors. From the look of things these two make a perfect pair. Who else could bring a super hero to life? To check out your modern day super hero at an arena near you, visit ticketmaster.com.

MEN MUST-HAVES FOR SPRING

POLOs for the Bros!!!!

Yesterday, I decided to a little shopping for my boyfriend to update his wardrobe; however, I was a little confused on what exactly to get hm at first. He's 29, conservation, and not much into the lastest fad. So I headed uptown to Express and purchased 2 classic but casual polos. They were on sale: buy one at $34.50 and get the second 1/2 off. The 100% cotton polo comes in various vibrant Spring colors and embroidered at the front of the shirt is the signature Express lion. I love the way this polo snugs the arm to accentuate the muscles. Express has a polo for every occasion (there are many styles and colors to choose from). My boyfrend tried them on and was definately pleased. Below are the exact shirts I purchased.

I'd suggest that you purchase atleast one polo shirt for your boyfriend, husband, father or brother and a spring gift. If Express is far beyond your budget, check out bargain polos from Aeropostale or American Eagle Outfitters.

Side Note: I also purchased a long sleeve stripe blouse for work at $23.70. Its made of cotton/ nylon/ spandex, has buckle cuffs and is with machine washable. I may purchase 2 more for the road before the sell ends.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Bargain of the Day

Denim Deals!

OMG! I am super excited. I just purchased a pair of skinny jeans from Express and did I mention that they were only $17.99 (they were originally going for $98)!?!!?!

Although the Express coupon expires today, I wasn't able to use it on this purchase since this is a clearance item (but I may use it before the night is over); however, its still a steal! This detroyed denim fits well with just about any body shape, not to mention that the materials consists of both cotton and spandex (so if you lose or gain 5 pounds, you'll still be able to wear this). Not only is this super stylish but you can dress it down as a casual look (with a top or cami) or up as a chic look (with a blouse). The color is a Reno blue demin can be worn year round -- so you'll definately get your dollar's worth. I bought it in a size 6. I doubt that this deal will last long, but get it here while it's hot. When it arrives in a few days, I'll take a picture of me in it and post it up. As I said before, I suggest that you get it while the getting is good before you regret missing out on such a steal.

Well, off I go to search for other deals. I'll keep you posted in the meantime.

Ciao Bellas!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

ATTENTION all Recessionistas!

TAKE AN ADDITIONAL $30 OFF AT EXPRESS

In celebration of Spring, Express is offering a great promotion running from today, March 19, 2009 to Sunday, March 22, 2009. You can either get:

Either way you can't lose. Offer can be used online or in store. This a great opportunity

to get a new pair of jeans or spring essentials..... Did I mention that Express has an additional 40% clearance promotion running as well; however, it is not valid on the clearance items or previous purchases, but you'll still get your money's worth!

I heart Express!

Click on the link below to Print Coupon

http://f.chtah.com/i/35/682994764/7060coupon.pdf

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Shopping Responsibly

Spring SHOE-GASMS:

Imagine walking home from a long day of work. Your boss has worked just about every nerve in your body. You’ve missed the season finale of ER, rain is about to pour heavily; which isn’t a good look, since you blew out your hair the day before. Everything is going south until you notice pumps - that are to die for - on display at a small boutique across the street. Without thinking and/ or looking, you dash across the street (almost missing death) to get a better look. You enter the boutique and ask to try on the pumps that are on the window display.
“What size,” asked the associate? “European - Size 40 please,” you respond.

Shortly after the associate brings the shoe along with a condom set on top of the box then speeds away.
“What in the world!?!?!!?” You think to yourself. You shake your head, dismissing the event and proceed to try on the pumps. Suddenly your pelvic muscles contract into quick circles, followed by an intense stimulation. In one minute flat you undergo a major orgasm. It’s not just any orgasm that you’ve experience – it’s a shoe-gasm! Embarrassed by the event you quickly purchase the shoe and exit the store. As you exit the associate says “Next time do it responsibly – use a condom!”
So with that said, here are some shoes that have you coming back for more!!!!!!!!!!

Steve Madden

BCBGirls

Aldo

Miss Sixty

Michael Kors

Guess

Betsey Johnson

Monday, March 16, 2009

SPRING FEVER: 2009 FASHIONS

So we are officially 4 days away from Spring and I can't wait for the snow, slush, and windy weather to be over with already. And how excited am I to share with you the goodies for this season.

Perfume of the Month: March

Well if you haven't heard by now -- Vera Wang has added a new addition to it's perfume familia. It's called Vera Wang Rock Princess. From the look of the product it looks edgey. I have yet to smell it but I'm told that I has hints of Peach, Raspberry, Bergamot, Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Heliotrope, Cashmere Wood, Musk, Iris, and Coconut............. mixed it all together to get an original Sultry mist of peotry. A great item to add to your perfume collection. A 1oz bottle will run you about $45, but I'm sure that it'll be well spent. Vera hardly disappoints!

Bag Lady: Purse Alert!!!

Moving along, it's time to can your old bag. I'm into hot and trendy bags yet I'm also aware of what I can and can't afford, so whenever I purchase a bag it's usually used as an utility first than a fashion accessory second. In today's economic state we budgetnistas need to be wise about our spending.... and the bag that I have my eyes set on is Lucky Brand Jeans "Lucky Sweet 70's" Sling Bag retailing for $179. This leather sling bag is chic, relaxed, and groovy. The braided hobo features bold whip stitch detail, magnetic closure (which makes it easy to get in and out of), cotton lining interior, 11" W x 16" H x 5" D and not to meantion that the shoulder strap has a 8 1/2" drop. This spacious bag is perfect for the woman on the go --- whether you're a mother of 2, college student, professional working girl, or fashionista. I am sooo in awe with this bag --- Finally a bag that was made for me :)!!!!!! Hobos like these are hard to come by. Check out the different colors it comes in; regardless of what color you choose you can't go wrong.

Randomness: Spring Coats

Ladies cover up into something that's light, bright and out of sight. Remember: your coat is just as important as your Hair and Makeup. What every woman needs is a colorful spring coat. Make the coat the center of your ensemble and if you really want to perfect the look why not add on hot designer sunglasses.