cultureofcute

Archive for July, 2009

Simple with a Twist

In shoes on July 31, 2009 at 3:18 pm

Sandals

Grab a hold of your summer with effortless summer style- that will hopefully be wearable into early fall. A great simple sandal with a little flare will take you from sunny days to summer nights and then some.

The ROXY Vamanos sandal is great affordable day to night option. It is a great simple neutral sandal with black straps and a gold logo piece. I saw this shopping recently and loved it- ROXY is trying hard to broaden their appeal to a (ahem) mature audience!

For those looking for a little splurge- try the Tory Burch Patent Thora sandal. Also tan and black but with an richer patent leather strap and slight heel. Hit a exclusive beach resort and look down- you’ll be sure to catch a glimpse of this new classic.

Grab some sandals to enjoy with you summer skirts and get ready to wear them with jeans in a few weeks.

ROXY Vamanos Sandal:

Cost: $36.00

Buy It: www.roxy.com


Tory Burch Thora Sandal:

Cost: $115.00

Buy It: www.toryburch.com

Clipa Your Way to a Clean Purse!

In Fashion on July 31, 2009 at 10:46 am

Clipa

There is nothing I hate more than spending major cash on a designer handbag and then having NO WHERE to put it when I am at a restaurant, in a bathroom stall, at my office desk…the list goes on! I can almost feel the bacteria and dirt seeping into the bottom of my bag when I set it on the floor or on a bar stool and I have to muster serious willpower not the whip out the 409 or Clorox and disinfect my purse. *Note to self…find purse friendly disinfecting wipes before destroying bag with heavy duty chemicals.

Luckily, inventors everywhere have come up with the ingenious idea to create portable bag hooks….little hanging devices that come in all sorts of bedazzled forms which allow you to bring along your own hangbag hanger. The only problem with these cute and jeweled bag hangers is that they aren’t that sturdy and I can never find them in the disorganized chaos of my bag. This was a major issue….until now!

Clipa is a handy lil purse hanging device that actually works and when not in use, it hooks right on to the outside (or inside) of my bag thus making it easy to find!! Use it in restaurants, outdoor cafes, bars, restrooms, sporting events and more. When you’re ready to go, Clipa slips right off and back onto your bag thanks to its patent-pending clip system. Clipa claims to be markedly different from other hangers: it goes directly on the handbag strap and stays there, ready for immediate access thanks to its automatic closure system. It also is of substantially higher quality: Clipa can hold up to 45 pounds, is made in the U.S. (Go USA!) from North American parts and has been machine tested to perform the equivalent of ten years of daily service.

Hooray!! No more creepy crawlies on my handbag because I can elevate my bag off the floor anywhere I go AND I will actually remember to use it!

Cost: $24.95

Buy It: www.clipa.us

Powerful, Portable and Pink!

In Beauty, electronics on July 30, 2009 at 2:37 pm

Babyliss Mighty Mini

As an obsessive compulsive hair straightener, I know what it is like to leave the house looking great, only to have humidity leave you crying in the mirror. I thought there was no convenient touch up and searched high and low for powerful hairsprays to fight the frizz. That is until I found the amazing BaByliss PRO Mighty Mini PINK 6-inch Straightening Iron!

This tiny (only 6 inches!) and powerful iron heats up in 30 seconds and is ceramic plated to protect the follicles. It is so convenient it fits in a purse or carry on bag. Although it does not cover as much hair area as a full sized iron, the Mighty Mini is great for touch ups, travel straightening and getting the hard to reach bangs.

BaByliss used to be the crimping iron authority (a fate I am sure they’d like me to forget). However, in the last few years they have really stepped up their game and are among the elite few brands that professionals use.

Cost: $30.00

Buy it: www.babyliss-online.com

Scoop: I happen to grab mine at my local TJ Maxx for $19.99 so be sure to check there as well!

Tank you very much!

In Fashion on July 30, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Bachelorette Jillian Harris - Alice & Olivia White Tank Dress

For those of you who are as obsessed as me with the outfits of Jillian Harris (on ABC’s, just completed, season of the Bachelorette), you will agree with me when I say, “I’m obsessed with her “After the Final Rose” ceremony white , frilly dress”!

The Tank Dress is so in this summer and it’s sexy and feminine to boot! Jillian wore this Alice + Olivia Tank Dress with Full Skirt to deal with the men of her not-so-distant past and it’s available at Singer 22! Or mix it up by donning the much less expensive version of this saucy lil ensemble by going Black from Forever21!

Cost – White Alice & Olivia Dress: $440

Buy It: www.singer22.com

Cost- Forever21 Jive Ruffle Dress: $24.80

Buy It: www.forever21.com

Just Dreamy

In Beauty on July 29, 2009 at 2:03 pm

VS Ring

Find fragrance rings too childish? Do they take you back to the days when you smelled like bubble gum and had a coin purse you wore on your wrist?

You can fear not the fragrance ring any longer thanks to Victoria’s Secret new Dream Angels Heavenly Bloom Fragrance Ring.

This is a darling gold and pearl floral ring that would be adorable without the added perk of a hidden solid perfume. Also luckily the Dream Angels line always smell girly and pretty, so this is a low risk purchase.
This a great girl-on-the-go product that can be your little secret when someone asks you why you always smell so sweet!

Cost: $19.99 (marked down from $30.00)

Buy It: www.victoriassecret.com

Refresh Your Tresses

In Fashion on July 29, 2009 at 10:56 am

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo

Dirty tresses with no time to wash, blowdry, or style? Oscar Blandi reinvents the classic dry shampoo with a powder hair cleanser that absorbs oil and cleanses hair. This is an invention that won’t save the world but it sure will save the number of Bad Hair Days you have and the time you spend on your blow out!

Another great dry shampoo product is by Ojon. Their “Rub Out” Dry Shampoo claims to revive, refresh and recharge your scalp and hair without water for under $25.

Oscar Blandi Cost: $11

Buy It: www.sephora.com

Ojon Cost: $25

Buy It: www.sephora.com

Smooth Like Butter!

In Fashion on July 28, 2009 at 4:42 pm

korres pom

Imagine indulging in butter- but looking better? No chubby thighs and no guilt!
Well you can with these utterly decadent Korres Lip Butters. They pack subtle tint with a power dosage of Shea butter and rice wax (known to keep your lips smooth and far better than the waxes used in traditional balms).

They come in 6 shades and for $9.00 they are a lip indulgence that won’t break the bank. We especially love the Pomegranate for a subdued rosy tint and 27 Plum for some oomph!

If you’ve never used a Korres product, we highly recommend you give them a try. These are well priced all natural products. What is especially great, is that unlike most “all natural” beauty lines, Korres doesn’t lack in results, pigment and quality!

Cost: $9.00
Buy it: www.sephora.com or www.korresusa.com


Have a Drink and Go Green!

In Fashion on July 28, 2009 at 10:21 am

Cute Stainless Steal Water Bottles

Still using plastic water bottles? Shame on you…unless you’ve been holding out for these adorable stainless steel water bottles and to go green in style! These food grade stainless steel bottles from BlueQ are not only environmentally friendly, they are also printed with fun unique designs using lead-free ink. Bottoms up!!

Cost: $17.99 (well worth it when you’re saving the planet)

Buy It: www.BlueQ.com

K.I.S.S – Keep It Simple n’ Sassy!

In Fashion, shoes on July 27, 2009 at 4:18 pm

Scarlett Johannson Simple Dress

Sometimes less is more and in this specific case, Scarlett Johannson makes a HUGE statement with very little. The starlet of “Iron Man 2″ “Lost in Translation” and “Match Point” and the lucky wife of Ryan Reynolds, makes a poignant statement in this skin colored sheath dress and sky high black heels. It’s also worth noting that the movie (Iron Man 2) she is promoting at Comic Con 2009, Scarlett plays the black widow. Interesting and innocent dress choice for such a vixen role!

Get this sleek and sexy look by pairing a simple nude-colored dress with rockin’ black, lacey high heels (lace is THE look for fall, btw)!

Cost: $50-$150

Buy It: dress: www.yoox.com or www.urbanoutfitters.com or www.shopbop.com

Buy It: Heels: www.neimanmarcus.com or www.revolveclothing.com


Toy Shop Treasure

In Fashion, Watches on July 25, 2009 at 3:41 pm

new

Remember the days when Swatch watches dominated the wrists of trendiest girls at the mall? When a whimsical timepiece was also the epitome of cool? Well those days are back with uber hip Italian watchmaker Toy Watch.

Toy Watch makes hundreds of candy colored and metallic chronograph watches that are being spotted on celebrities everywhere. These watches hit it big when Oprah endorsed them (along with her other fave TOK). Also recently Michelle Obama was spotted wearing a fun purple Toy Watch while traveling in Italy.

Along with standard colored pieces, they also feature acrylic and rubber pieces with gems and shimmery bezels. I especially love this Toy Watch Sport Chrono Watch 39MM. Oversized watches are so hot right now so prepare for these to be adorning the wrists of the trendiest girls at the mall again!

Cost: $150-$300
Buy it: www.toywatchusa.com and www.bloomingdales.com


HD Cosmetics – Are You Ready For Your Close Up?

In Beauty on July 24, 2009 at 2:34 pm

cargo Blu Ray

With the ever increasing popularity of High Definition (HD) television and movies, it has become quite clear to TV viewers that actors/actresses/newscasters/etc “look” different. We are acutely aware of lines, crows feet, acne marks, pore size and cakey makeup because of this increased clarity in cinematography. And since everyone wants to be ready for their close up, cosmetic manufacturers are using high tech ways to improve the makeup that we use everyday so everyone can look HD perfect..all the time!

Okay, so maybe you aren’t in front of any cameras but still, we all want to look flawless. Cargo Cosmetics has created a line of Blue-Ray makeup that is designed to hid flaws while illuminating skin under bright lights. This collection of five products claims to be powerful enough to provide full coverage all the while looking completely natural. Ideal for filming, photography, weddings, special events and for everyday beauty because life happens in high-definition.

Cost: $20-$30 per product

Buy It: www.sephora.com


Stylish Surfer Girl

In Fashion, Workout Gear on July 24, 2009 at 8:41 am

atleta

Surfing may be about catching the best wave, taking your endorphins to the limit and becoming one with nature- but there is no reason you can’t look absolutely stylish while accomplishing all of the above!

Gap Inc, the fashion juggernaut that also owns Banana Republic, Old Navy and Piperlime has just introduced their new line of ladies sports apparel Athleta . The Athleta swimwear is sporty and highly functional while maintaining flattering cuts and great prints. This Match Maker Rashguard is so cute, you could wear it with jeans!
Their gym wear, swimwear and lounge wear is all very enticing!

Cost: $59
Buy it: www.athleta.gap.com

Lovely To Go!

In Beauty on July 23, 2009 at 1:51 pm

kenzo

When getting ready to hit the town after a long day of work, there are a few staples which can help make you feel brand new: powder touch up to the lose the shine, a fresh dose of blush or bronzer and a shiny coat of gloss. Well, a splash of fragrance also goes a long way but isn’t as conveniently stored in a makeup bag. That’s why this new mini set from Kenzo is so amazing!

With hints violet, vanilla, and rose- Flower by Kenzo is an attention getting fragrance. The bottles are bigger than sample sizes, so you lose the risk of breaking, and it is adorned with this super cute poppy!

Add this to your arsenal, and hit the town prepared to be asked “ooooh, what are you wearing?

Cost: $35
Buy it: www.sephora.com


Romping Around

In Fashion on July 23, 2009 at 10:34 am

Forever21 Ruffle Trim Linen Romper

Love it or Hate it, the reinvented jumpsuit is here to stay! This super comfortable and practical outfit allows you to perform the one-stop outfit choice in your closet and look fresh and fashionable all day long. To complete this summer look, just throw on some strappy sandals, add some funky jewelry and you are ready to hit the runway (or supermarket)!

Forever21 once again gives us an affordable and cute option for jumpsuits. This Ruffle Trim Linen Romper is the perfect summer option which you can dress up or down for only $19.80!

Cost: $19.80

Buy It: www.forever21.com

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Foot Fetish Heaven – Bachelorette Jillian

In shoes on July 22, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Badgley Mischeka Christi - Anthracite

For anyone watching the Bachelorette – Jillian “The Men Tell All” reunion episode on Monday night (7/20/09), it was hard to miss the spectacular heels Jillian was wearing. With the perfect combination of grace and sophistication, these Badgley Mischka, Christi shoes stole the show!

A t-strap and adjustable ankle strap make this shoe fit for a princess. The final touches include a 4 inch stiletto heel and ½ inch platform. YowZa!

Cost: $195

Buy It: www.Heels.com

Forget Me Knot!

In Accessories on July 22, 2009 at 10:14 am

Forget me Knot

“Don’t forget the milk!”
“Pay those bills!”
“Pick up the dry cleaning!”

So much to remember everyday- we all need some reminders and not just from our Outlook calendars.

What a sweet way to never forget your true love- with a precious string tied around your finger.

Available in gold or silver, this Kiel Mead designed ring is beyond adorable. Who says fashion can’t be sentimental?

Cost: $54.00
Buy it: www.fredflare.com or www.momastore.com


Superhero Style

In Accessories on July 21, 2009 at 5:14 pm

super hero cuffs

We all try to be a superhero more often than we’d like to admit. Career, school, friends, significant others, charity work, exercise, shopping…the list goes on. Where do we find the time?!

Finally a look has come along that will help us channel the wonder woman in us (fingers crossed) and look hot at the same time.

Sporting dual-wrist bracelet cuffs not only completes your outfit in an edgy, powerful way, it will hopefully give us the mojo to power through our daily to-do lists!

Cost: $15-$150+

Buy It: www.alloy.com

Buy It: www.pinkmascara.com


Choose Choos!

In shoes on July 21, 2009 at 11:45 am

Jimmy Choo HM

Starting November 14th, 2009, H&M will start carrying Jimmy Choo shoes, bags and accessories…and your reasons to keep frequenting this deliciously high fashion, low price retail store just got stronger! Typically Jimmy Choos will run you between $400 – $1,000 but coming soon, feet everywhere will be donning Jimmy’s for a fraction of the cost! H&M and Jimmy Choo have collaborated to bring high fashion footwear for the abbreviated cost of $40-$200!

Be-still my heart; I can now choose to wear Choos!

Cost: $40-$200

Buy it: HM store near you! www.hm.com


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Channeling your inner cowgirl

In Fashion on July 20, 2009 at 4:16 pm

destroyed jean shorts

Sometimes you want to hang up the summer dress, put away the clean-cut white shorts and pour yourself into a naughty pair of destroyed jean shorts. Maybe there is am inner-cowgirl in all of us? Then again, maybe we just want to show off our sun-kissed gams and pretend we’re 10 again.

True religion satiates our need to rock out in a pair of hot, distressed jean shorts! This lil item will guarantee a couple of tipped 10 gallon hats and a lot of cowboy cat calls. ;)

Cost: $220 (a pretty penny)

But It: www.truereligionbrandjeans.com


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Pretty in Pearls

In Accessories on July 20, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Chunky Twisted Pearl Necklace

Need an immediate lift to your preppy outfit but abhor the idea of putting on a simple pearl necklace? Check out Forever 21’s latest addition to their cheap and chic accessory catalog. This chunky twisted pearl necklace will add a spicy, atypical polish to your garden party outfit…or just throw in on with a white tank and jeans for an instant sparkle. The best part? It’s under $20! Wear it once and it’s practically paid for itself!

Cost: $19.80
Buy it: Forever21.com


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Tulip USB Hub- Functionally Adorable

In electronics on July 20, 2009 at 3:54 pm

tulip

I love this thing.  I really could care less if it had any function at all, but thankfully it does!

Multi USB hubs are super useful if you find yourself charging your phone, camera and other devices via USB.

Also- tulips are so in right now, so stop dreaming of that Holland Vacation and bring it to your desk.

Cost: $22.00

Buy It: FredFlare.com


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Hmmmmmmmm….cute?!? Melissa ‘Lady Dragon’ Jelly Pump

In shoes on July 18, 2009 at 3:00 pm

shoes

Look, I am not sure what to make of these shoes. Let’s name the faults:

1. Although they are branded Vivienne Westwood, they are sold under the brand “Melissa” at Nordstroms. Huh?

2. Yellow and black- how much can you really wear these?

3. JELLIES. Enough said. Right?

That being said, I love them. Can’t stop looking at them. I mean, do you see what I see? They are adorable. So cute and animated. Very Minnie Mouse meets Bumble Bee from Transformers. I want to buy them and display them on a shelf in my living room.

Cost: $150.00

Buy it: Nordstroms.com


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Triple C- Cheap, Chic, Cute!

In Accessories on July 16, 2009 at 10:54 am

bracelet

I recently purchased this adorable bracelet from good ol’ Forever 21. Cheap jewelry can be hit or miss- but boy is this hit! I get compliments on it regularly and I love proclaiming- “it was only $5.80″!

This bracelet is well made and has a very “Marc Jacob’s Daisy” feel to it- without the hefty price tag. Cheap, chic and cute- what more can you ask for?

Cost: $5.80

Buy it: Forever21.com

Ooooh Shiny!

In electronics on July 16, 2009 at 12:32 am

philipscrystal

Many of us nowadays sit in a cube if front of a computer ALL DAY. Adding a little excitement to the mundane can make all the difference- behold these amazing Swarovski USB drives.  There is some serious sparkle meets function going on here. These 1 GB drives hold the equivalent to 250 songs and you know, work files and stuff.

Yes, they are more expensive than standard USB drives, but when was the last time your jewelry came in handy at Kinko’s on a business trip? You can also get Swarovski crusted earbuds and Bluetooth® headsets! Super cute!

Cost: $90-$180

Buy it: Swarovski.com


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World’s Cutest Co-Pilot

In Automobile on July 15, 2009 at 11:04 pm

hk

Let’s face it- sitting in traffic is awful and sitting in traffic in a smelly car is worse.  Why not brighten up your ride with the an adorable Hello Kitty Air Freshener? I saw this at a mall kiosk from 300 ft away and was drawn to it like like a moth to a flame.

There seems to be a sudden influx of poorly made Hello Kitty stuff all over the place lately- and this is an example of mainstream HK done right!

There’s no denying that this sweet air freshener will take your car to a new level of cute!

Cost: $7.50
Buy It: www.jbox.com


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Spring Finger

In Uncategorized on July 15, 2009 at 10:16 pm

Springring

Juicy Couture sure does make some cute jewelry and whenI saw this beauty in a Marie Claire spread- it was too much cute to handle!  It’s so easy to make any simple summer outfit more special with candy colored cocktail ring. Talk about a good excuse for a fresh manicure.

I also love stackable rings- sometimes one is enough, sometimes you need all three! So grab this ring, throw on a sundress, flip flops and paint the town cute!

Cost: $88.00

Buy It: www.nordstrom.com


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These shoes were made for walking…and looking hot!

In shoes on July 15, 2009 at 8:38 pm

mad mary

I’ll start with an oldy but goody.  These shoes are quite possibly the cutest/raddest kicks I’ve ever seen.  Too bad they are making them anymore.

So you were passed over for that promotion. Nixed for that part. You are sick of cooling your heels when you’d rather kick ass. Time for new shoes. Fierce shoes that are sure to get you noticed. Your day is coming and you’re not one to settle. Enough of being the good girl. Time to step on some toes. Worn by the likes of Madonna and Mischa Barton. No-one says no to the Mad Mary Janes!

Cost: $865

Buy It: christianlouboutin.com


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