2012 Trend Report: Accessories

There is absolutely nothing like having all the right accessories to complete your look. Think of your outfit as a blank canvas and the accessories, the paint and brush. No outfit is ever complete without the right accessories. Accessories can take your daytime office look, into an evening look with "him" or a night with the girls. Check out this fab article on all of the hottest trends in accessories this 2012 season. Now don't be alarmed, most of these are from high end designers. You can definitely find all of these looks at a fraction of the cost at stores like Target, Nordstrom, H&M, ASOS, Forever21 or Shop Bop. Get inspired with not just the actual items, but with the colors and prints as well. My favorite trends are the geometric & tribal patterns as well as the mint, kelly green and coral hues. Incorporate those colors and prints into your current wardrobe!

Daily Candy Spring 2012 Trends: Accessories Report

Click & Enjoy!

Love,

Kimmie

Blinded by Spring

Ok so if you're like me, you have just about every shopping app on your smartphone. I have a pretty white iPhone 4, so I've got just about every app imaginable from my favorite stores. Nordstrom, Target, Hautelook, Etsy...you feel me. As I am "browsing" my apps lol, I noticed the popular color blocking trend from last year has made a huge appearance for the spring. Bright Colors, Saturated Pastels and Screaming Neons are gracing accessories, skirts, pants, dresses, shoes, and tops alike. At first it reminded of the bad styles of the 80's. I'm an 80's child, so I grew up wearing awful geometric color blocked tops and neon biker shorts. I didn't know it would make a repeat fashion staple in my adult years. Like all fashion everything that was old becomes new, yet reinvented.

I try my hardest not to be super trendy, but this trend has finally grown on me...the color blocking trend that is. I love color, but usually I rock muted tones like greys, beiges and browns, and add just a pop of color. I never thought I would be the one to wear an entire outfit consisting of straight colors. The fashion gods have won because I am just absolutely in love with mixing all types of colors.

I'm a graphic designer, so this new trend is definitely putting all of my color theory classes to the test. I mean there are endless amounts of color combos to choose from. Right now my favorite color combos are Purple & Coral, Mint, Beige & Coral, Green & Sea Foam Green, Turquoise & Purple, Peach & Purple...and the list goes on. Purple, Green & Turquoise are my most favorite colors anyway, so I notice I really gravitate towards those.

Below are a few looks that I absolutely love! The looks consist of this season's trend of color blocking, mint hues and coral hues. If you're afraid of color, check out some accessories to draw inspiration from. http://www.shoplabellaluxe.com/ has a bunch of accessories to add a pop of color to your look. Pray for me that I don't go overboard with my shopping apps and actually buy something, LOL.Images from www.freepeople.com, www.lulus.com

Love,

Kimmie

The It Bag!

I have no clue how long this bag has been the new "It" bag, but I want "It".
My birthday just so happens to be this Sunday [it's Pisces season], so that will justify me spending the $348 this bag asks for.
I just came back from the Bahamas, and while I was there, I saw "It". I said to myself, "Who. Makes. That. Bag?" "I want. It. NOW." I carefully stalked the lady carrying the bag, to see who makes it. At first I thought "It" was a Birkin bag, but when I realized it was a Michael Kors bag, my insides did backflips because I knew I would be able to attain it.
This morning, I went straight to the Michael Kors website, and there "It" was. The bag. The one. "It". Yes!
It comes in all kinds of fun flavors, I can't decide between Vanilla or luggage. Why this bag? Well for starters, it emulates the classic Birkin silhouette. It's classic, leather and will def stand the test of time. I think this is why it's so fab! I want it! I need it! It's my birthday present to myself! Lol! I need to pay all my bills first tho, then asses the finances. I think it's doable. I've been through so much in the last few months, I deserve it! Once I get it, I'll post pics of me rocking it. I have no clue which color I want now. The luggage one or the vanilla one. Decisions, Decisions.

M.I.A.

Has it really been like TWO years since I blogged here?!! So much has happened in these last two years, I don't even know where to begin. The biggest thing that has happened is I started an online jewelry & accessories boutique with my mom [shop tll you drop here: www.shoplabellaluxe.com.] I turned my obsession with accessories and fashion into a thriving business. I'm no where on the Forbes list, but my business has definitely started to grow. It's been a year and I've slowly started to make a name for myself.

Other than that, everything is still the same. I love fashion and shopping, but my wallet doesn't. I have scaled back A LOT though. While I love to shop, I love to save even more. Call me frugal, call me cheap, call me a penny pincher...you have to save for a rainy day. I will still share my favorite fashion finds as well as shamelessly plug my online store. Trust me, you'd do it too if you had a business.

Anyway, I feel lightheaded because I over bleached my bathroom and I'm running behind on my newsletter for my business. I just got back from a cruise to the Bahamas, so I'm thinking about sharing some tips on what to pack and what to wear for a cruise on my next post.

So yeah, I'm back y'all!

Love,

Kimmie

Spa Water: A delicious way to get your daily 8

I'll be honest. I don't like water. I know it's super important to drink it daily, because let's face it, if you don't you'll DIE! LOL. I know water doesn't really taste like anything, and that's the problem. I like the things that tickle my tongue to have flavor. More importantly I want it to have great flavor. You've tried those Crystal Light packets you add to your bottled water right? Well those disrupt my digestive system for some reason. I know that was more than you care here to read, but they do. I've been searching high and low for a water alternative, with out all the weird chemicals and sugar to get my daily 8 glasses of water. 

Guess what I discovered I can drink? Spa Water!!! You ever been to the spa and they offer you a cup of water? The water is usually flavored with cucumbers, lemons, oranges, etc. It tastes delicious and it gives a hint of flavor. 

I recently went to friend's Fourth of July party and they offered Spa Water as a healthy alternative to Juice, Soda or other sugar drenched beverage. I had totally forgot about it. It quenched my thirst and it had me wanting more and more water. I'm hooked on it and I LOVE it!

I know now that I will definitely be getting in all the water I need!

You want to make your own Spa Water? click here!

Enjoy!

Love,

Kimmie

Two Sites You Shouldn't Live Without...

Being a beauty whore and all, I MUST be connected with all things beauty related. Aside from being connected to all things that deal with beauty, I must also discuss and learn the opinions of other beauty addicts. I have found two wonderful beauty related sites that will fulfill every beauty need imaginable. You can thank me later.

• www.makeupalley.com - This site offers beauty product reviews. Before I buy or if I'm looking for new beauty products, I go here first. You can also Swap beauty products as well. Visit & Register for more information.

• www.temptalia.com - This is the mothership of all things beauty. They offer reviews, tutorials, make-up looks. EVERYTHING. You'll find yourself spending hours here.

There are plenty other sites that offer beauty related reviews and tutorials, but these are my absolute favorites!

Enjoy!


Kimmie

Single On V-Day?

Don't be ashamed to say the phrase if you're single... "Happy Valentine's Day!" or as other's who don't have a boo, man, or significant other would say, "Happy Single's Awareness Day!" This day like no other, gives you the harsh reality that you're single. It doesn't have to be harsh though. There is nothing that says Valentine's Day has to be shared solely by two people who are googly eyed for each other. You can in fact share it with a group of friends. 


There have been many occasions where I just didn't have a "Valentine" and that was ok with me. My girlfriends and I one year decided that we were just going to order pizza, watch movies, and give each other gifts on Valentine's Day... which leads me to the point of my post. Are you and your girlfriends single this Valentine's Day? If so here are a few things you can do, to still feel special and have a great time on Valentine's Day:


Gift Bag or Basket - Not just any gift, but maybe a basket, container or gift bag filled with cute little girlie things. Target has a HUGE Dollar Bin section that is filled with things you can add or accent your basket with. Get creative based on your friends' personalities.


Ladies Night - If you and more than a few of your girlfriends are single, this would be the perfect time to have a night out on the town. Rent a limo and head out to your favorite destination. You never know, there night be a group of guys with the same idea.


Blockbuster Night - Call Roundtable Pizza or Papa Johns and invite all your girlfriends over for a night of watching chick flicks. The Notebook is the ultimate chick flick LOL.


Girlie Girl Night - This is a night that includes ALL things girlie. Cupcakes with pink frosting, pedis, manis and make-up tips. This sounds like a juvenile sleep-over, but you're never too old to have a fun night with your girlfriends. 


There is nothing wrong with being single. For whatever reason, society tells us we NEED someone else to make us happy and that's just not the case. Happiness starts from within FIRST and the person that comes along that is our 'soul mate' only ENHANCES the happiness we already have. Just a little food for though. Snack on that.


Love,


Kimmie 

Knock It Off Girl!

The worst of ALL fashion crimes is to be caught with or purchase a 'knock off'. Crimes of fashion are taken very seriously by fashionistas and bag hoarders alike. While some of us can spot a knock off a mile a way, others are left unsuspecting of the tragedy. What exactly is a knock off? Well according to Dictionary.com it is "an unlicensed copy of something, esp. fashion clothing, intended to be sold at a lower price than the original." So basically it's a fake item, trying to pass like the real thing. This is a big fat "Unt Uhhhhh!!" So if this is you, or you...knock it off!

I'll admit, in my younger pre-fashionista days, I didn't know any better. I gladly purchased a 'knock-off' LV (Louis Vuitton) bag in downtown Los Angeles. I thought to myself, hey it looks like the real thing, what's the big deal? Well a few weeks after having the bag, the handles started to come apart. They were glued together. Also the bag started to peel at the bottom. I am bearing my soul here people. Please do not judge me. I can't believe I committed the most heinous of all fashion crimes. I surely learned my lesson though.

Not only are you walking around looking like boo-boo the fool to all who know you're carrying a fake bag, but you are most certainly contributing to the sweat shop like factories that make these bags and you're getting terrible quality. What makes an LV bag is it's quality and craftsmanship. Also in addition to having a crappy bag, it is also ILLEGAL. So just save your money, work overtime, build a lemonade stand if you want a designer bag. Don't support people who are committing the illegal crime of copyright infringement.

I was finally able to purchase a real LV Bag. My first LV bag was a Lv Damier Canvas Speedy 35 (pictured above). I immediately felt the difference. Never again will I commit that crime of fashion.

Now we all know designer items are really expensive. Let's just face it, everyone can't and won't be able to afford anything designer. Some people dream of it while it doesn't really matter to others. If it matters to you however, I have an alternative for you. 

Designer "Inspired".

Designer Inspired means the creator of whatever bag or merchandise took elements of said designer and applied its "likeness" to the merchandise. So for example, Chanel has a quilted bag that they are known for. I seriously want one, but I just can't see myself spending over $1,000 on a bag. I just can't do it right now. I have other priorities. One day maybe, just not today. Because I need a bag more within my budget, I've just found bags with the same things I like in the Chanel Bag. You too can do the same. Just avoid the blatant knock offs.

Here is an example. Below is the coveted Chanel bag. Every serious fashionista wishes to have a Chanel bag grace her shoulder:

 Here are some Designer 'Inspired' Pieces. I actually purchased the one below from Aldo. 

 

So you get the idea right? You see the difference right? Knock Off bags would have the Chanel Logo on the front, while these take the quilting and the chain handles. The line is thin between the knock-off and the original, however these aren't trying to pass off like the real thing. That's where the illegal part comes in. Stores like Aldo, Bakers Shoes, Forever21, and just about any other fashion line, "borrow" or get "inspired" by the top designers like Chanel, Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana. They set the trends, however no regular person can afford those items. These are a great alternative for those of us that LOVE fashion, but just don't have Diddy's bank account. 

Also just an added tip. You know those web banners or ads you see when visiting websites saying how they are selling Christian Louboutins or LV bags on 'sale' or at a 'discount', they are ALL fake. ONLY buy Christian Louboutin or LV merchandise from authorized sellers.

Enjoy!

Love,

Kimmie

Make-Up Essentials

I get a lot of questions from my girlfriends about make-up. I am NOT a make-up artist whatsoever. I have no clue what the terms they use mean, or what is supposed to go where. I only know what looks good on me and if your make-up looks a hot mess. I can tell you how your make-up should look depending on your ensemble and the rest is up to you. That's as far as it goes. I probably couldn't even freaking sell AVON.

Oh yeah, this post is LONG. I've broken it up into sections, so you can just read the part you want and skip the ones you don't. I'm working on not being so long winded. LOL. Please NOTE that below are the brands I LIKE. I'm aware there are other brands, however these are the ones I LIKE. Thanks. 


Anywho, I'm a firm believer in just learning by watching others. Since I'm a right brained kinda gal, I'm strictly visual. I learn from trial and error, and by the hands on approach. I ask about 458 questions when I want to know something, and that usually does it for me. 


Make-Up Application


I learned to do my own make-up by frequent visits to the MAC counter, playing in my make-up (and no you're NEVER too old) and watching Youtube videos. Yes Youtube videos. Since you have to purchase MAC usually to get them to do a whole look, youtube is the best inexpensive way for you to learn how to apply make-up. 


What make-up do I use? Where can I find tutorials? I've done this legwork for you. I've tried ALL types of make-up, trust me. I was seriously obsessed with MAC until I realized that MAC isn't the end all be all when it comes to make-up. A MUA (makep-up artist) friend my mine Monique, (hey boo!) let me know that there are other GREAT brands of affordable make-up... and if you're make-up SNOB and ALL you wear is MAC, read on:

Eye Shadow:

Urban Decay - Freaking O-Mazing make-up. I tried it for the first time a few weeks ago, and I'm HOOKED! They aren't cheap, however if you try their little palettes, you get a lot for your money. Also PLEASE see the "Eye Shadow Primer" section below for my thoughts on their primer. 

Make-Up Forever - Freaking PIGMENTED eyeshadows galore.  I haven't officially purchased anything from this line yet, but from what I sampled in Sephora, this will be apart of my make-up collection soon. The colors are vibrant and amazing; the color selection is also amazing.

NYX - Now before you go and start acting like a make-up snob, for a lower end line, they have some GREAT colors. At only about $4 a pop, this is a great way to be introduced to eye-shadow if you're just beginning to wear eye shadow or if you just want to use a color you won't use all the time. I love these eye shadows. If used with a good primer, they look amazing. 

Cover Girl - Don't hate because it's from your local drug store. I actually love their eye shadows. If used with the right primer, the colors will look amazing for any budget.

Coastal Scents - Now where else are you going to try every rainbow of color known to man for less than $25 bucks? I haven't purchased these, but a few friends of mine have, and let me say that these are the perfect shadows to start with if you're new to make-up. 

Loreal - Did you know that Lacome which is sold in the department stores is also the maker of Loreal? I sure did.  I love their eye shadows as well as their mascara. Ladies on a budget know what I mean.

Eye Shadow Primers

This is debatable. However NOT on my blog. I am so not the one to have a full on make-up war on which is the best eyeshadow primer because it's just not that serious. Haiti is a more important topic of discussion. Here are a few choices. You MUST always use a primer if you want your shadow to "Pop",  stay on your lid, crease free ALL day. Here are some suggestions: 




MAC Paints - I've tried ALL their primers or whatever they have that can be used as a primer. I personally like their paints best. My shadow doesn't 'move' and it stays on ALL day. 

Urban Decay Primer Potion - I'm biased against this because it's my favorite. 

Concealer - Yes plain ole' concealer works. This was a beauty must have when I was on a serious budget, and just couldn't afford MAC or anything else over $5. Maybelline makes a great concealer that can be used as a shadow base/primer.  

Blush

MAC - I have a few of their blushes & bronzers I use regularly. I mainly use them for contouring my face and they offer a wide variety of colors. 

NYX - They have this Barbie pink blush I ADORE. It's only $5, and has great pigment. 

Loreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush  - I LOVE their blushes! They run about $8-11 and are very pigmented. They are just as good if not better than MAC. 

Wet 'N Wild - LOL. Yes even they have decent bronzer

Mascara

Just because something is expensive, doesn't mean it's the best. I've found plenty of mascara in the drug store that work just fine. Here are my suggestions:




Mabelline Great Lash - Hands down the pink and green tube of mascara is all you need. It's less than $4, and it's a great everyday mascara. 

Mabelline  Volum' Express Turbo Boost® Waterproof - I LOVE my lashes to look full and have volume, with NO clumps. This does it for me. 

MAC Pro Lash & MAC Pro Long Lash - I like these. I just like them. They are a little overpriced, however they do give you the volume and length you need. I just don't like that they can leave you with clumps. 

Loreal Voluminous - This is also a great one to use for everyday wear

Loreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology Mascara - LOL that name is ridiculous, but these are like lash extensions in a tube. It's a double-sided mascara tube. One has the stuff that adds this crap to your lashes to make them longer. The other half has the mascara that actually goes over it, to make your lashes 'Pop'. I've tired it and it works great, however it just feels weird when you wash it off. :/ 

Foundation

Use what the heck ever works for you. LOL. These are what I use or have tried and just some added suggestions:


Everyday Wear Foundation [Light Coverage]

• Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation
  
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural 
  

Night on the Town [Full Coverage]

• MAC Studio Tech Foundation (For Combination-Dry Skin)
• Precriptives Virtual Skin Super-Natural Finish SPF 10
• Clinique Super Balanced Make-Up (For Combination-Dry Skin) 

Lip Gloss

This is a HARD one. I've tried ALL types of lipgloss. Here are my favs and just suggestions:

MAC Lipglass & Dazzleglass - These are expensive but I love them. There is a huge color selection and I love how they make my lips feel

Lancome Juicy Tubes Ultra Shiny Lipgloss - These are a great alternative to MAC.

Loreal Colour Juice Sheer Juicy Lipgloss - This is the counterpart to Lancome. I LOVE these when I can find my favorite color. 

mark. Juice Gems. - I think they tried to knock off Lancome, but they did a GREAT job. I love these BETTER than Lancome. They are only $6.50 and now you can purchase them online. I hated trying to track down the Avon lady. Thank GOD my friend Mylah sells it. Visit her store here to try!!

Make-Up Tutorials:


Here are some great MUA on youtube that can give you great tutorials on everything from contouring to eye shadow application. You can find them by searing on youtube by whatever your make-up needs are. Here are a few of my favorite MUA's and Tutorials. You can subscribe to their video and get updates on when they post next:

Brushes

This is also debatable. Just not here. Some folks say MAC others say it doesn't matter. What matters is, you need good brushes to apply all of your make-up. I've tried all brushes, cheap and expensive and here are my picks:




MAC - I've had some of my brushes for 10 years. These were a great investment. I buy them little by little and pretty much have all the essential brushes

Sonia Kashuk - I like her brushes. I have a couple and I use them frequently. I would say these are a cheaper alternative to MAC

Sephora - They have great brushes also. Not as expensive as MAC but moderately priced.

Essence of Beauty - Yes these are the brushes they sell at CVS. I bought them when I just couldn't afford to spend money at MAC. These brushes are surprisingly good. I was actually impressed. Yes I still use them. 

Well those are my Make-Up Essentials! Let me know if you've tried any or if you have any that you would like for me to feature here.


Enjoy!


Love,


Kimmie