I've still got plenty of things to share and will be back in action come Sunday/Monday. In the meantime, why don't you take a moment to enter my giveaway? You could win an adorable charm bracelet from UK jewelry brand Cutey. It's international, so there's no stopping you.
Hey, readers! I doubt I have to tell you at this point how much I'm obsessed with dry shampoo. I rely heavily on it to get me through the week and avoid looking like a greasy blonde rat at work. I've said it before and I'll say it again, cutting back on the frequency at which you wash your hair is good for hair's condition, growth, and general appearance - well, appearance as long as you don't just leave it hanging on your head all greasy and gross! If you haven't used a dry shampoo before, you really need to check one out. The brand I keep coming back to is Batiste. I'll include a few links at the end of this post that will help you find where it's available in your area. For this post, and since I was sent the two bottles at the same time, I wanted to do a product comparison. There are countless dry shampoo options available to you, but since I'm a die hard fan of Batiste, I'll be comparing Batiste Wild and Batiste XXL Volume. Both do the same thing (refresh your hair in between washes) but they do it differently and with different benefits. Read on!
First up, we've got Batiste Wild. As you can see by the bottle, it's a fun and youthful product. As far as performance goes, it holds up nicely against any other regular Batiste dry shampoo. It has a "feisty oriental" scent that smells, to me at least, very similarly to J Lo's Miami Glow perfume from a few years back. It has notes of vanilla and spice and would be an awesome dry shampoo to use right before a night out on the town to prevent any oil from building up and ruining your sexily coiffed hair. It adds a bit of body at the roots (when applied correctly) and is an all around solid product. It's tied very closely in my heart with Batiste Boho!
Now, there's Batiste XXL Volume. I'm going to tell you straight away this is my absolute favourite dry shampoo ever. It beat out all other Batiste dry shampoos, and even my favourite powder dry shampoo from Cake Beauty - which is no easy feat. The reason? It adds a ton of extra body and looks exactly as if I've just washed and styled my hair again. The fullness doesn't last all day by any means, but I find dry shampoo effects tend to wear off throughout the day no matter what you do since your hair oils are constantly being produced. The fragrance is much more feminine and reminds me of a cherry blossom. It's what I'll be using throughout the work week to avoid anything too overpowering and to really give my roots a kick in the volume department.
I've gotten a few questions about the "chalky" or "white-ish" appearance of dry shampoos. I really don't know enough about how they work with darker hair shades to give you a proper answer so I'd recommend just giving it a try. Because my hair is pretty light, I don't notice too much of a colour change when I use them. I suppose my advice would be to ensure you really disperse it throughout your hair and, even when you think you've worked it in enough using your fingers, work it a little more. This should help break down any heavy application areas and help with decreasing any powdery appearance you might get. Have a different tip? Let me know in a comment because I'd love to hear it!
**Update: Here's my first YouTube video showing "how to use dry shampoo"**
I was sent this gorgeous colour-blocked maxi dress (Opposites Attract) by Sugarlips this week and couldn't wait to share it with you here on the blog. The skirt is multi-layered in a sheer yellow and has gorgeous movement to it. The top is a simple one shouldered neutral and attaches to the skirt with a thick black elastic waistband. It's a wonderful option for those of us not usually able to pull off all-over yellow.
I paired the dress with a Topshop necklace dupe from Ebay, my favourite chunky sandals in black suede, some chunky rings and vibrant nail polish. I went for a lime green on my fingernails and a light aqua blue on my toes. Since I wanted to keep my jewelry pretty simple, I allowed for my nail polish to be bright.
If you're wondering where these pictures were shot, they were taken on my 19th floor apartment balcony. I typically avoid the balcony (we have two, no idea why!) because of the terrifying heights but wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous sun and view. If you enjoy it, too, I'll try to do some more out there.
From left across:
Whitney Port, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port (again),
Olivia Palermo, Lauren Conrad (again), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Images via http://primped.ninemsn.com.au/
**Update: Thanks for all your help, everyone! I got my hair done today and it's more even now and a slightly lighter version of #4. I'll add more lowlight next time and appreciate all your awesome suggestions. #bestreadersever **
I have a hair appointment booked for next Saturday, June 30th and need your help with choosing a hair colour. As you likely know, I'm currently sporting a light version of the ombre trend. I'm looking to ditch it and go with an all over colour again. Until this year, I've been a very light blonde. Since I'm super pale, I've decided to stick with the darker blonde because it looks a bit nicer on me than the platinum does and it adds more contrast to my appearance (I hate tone-on-tone!)
The above six photos feature some of my favourite examples of dark blonde. I know some of them are very similar to one another, so please feel free to leave me a link a comment to examples you think would work for me! I'd be eternally grateful - and so would my hair.
Which of the above do you think would work best for me? Is there another gorgeous tressed dark blonde I'm missing? Let me know!
This is a super quick and tiny post before I start my Saturday cleaning. My mom and brother are coming up this week so the apartment needs a good top-to-bottom clean. Plus, we're now officially out of towels (pathetic, I know) so laundry is a necessity.
I ordered a few new sheer blouses, and the above pictured skirt, from Forever 21 this week. They arrived within 2 days and are the perfect addition to my wardrobe. I've been cleaning through my clothes and being honest with myself as far as what I wear and what I don't. I've been donating a bunch, selling some in consignment shops, and have sold a few pieces from my blog shop. I don't update it nearly as often as I should, but that's where I try to put the things available for sale.
Remember to enter my giveaway by clicking here and enjoy the rest of your Saturday! xx
"They" say the average person loses about 100 strands of hair a day. So, when you see a bit of shedding throughout the day you really shouldn't be too concerned. Since I like to wash my hair only once every four or five days, and dislike brushing my hair almost as much as I do washing it, I tend to notice the shedding much more after my shower as I brush through my somewhat tangled hair. Since I'm the definition of paranoid about thinning hair (my stylist and friends assure me I'm just crazy), I've been searching for a new brush that's efficient in detangling and smoothing yet causes minimal damage. Naturally, I found my answer within the beauty advice goldmine - YouTube.
Tangle Teezer is a UK hair care company devoted to providing efficient, yet gentle, hair detangling and brushing tools. The amazing tool's inventor, Shawn P, is my new hair hero. I ordered the "original" Tangle Teezer brush in none other than Bubblegum Pink. It was only £10.20 (so, I paid $16) and it arrived in under a week. It feels a little funny when you're brushing through your wet hair at first and you can hear it against your hair but don't really see any difference. Then, out of nowhere, your hair is perfectly detangled and ready for styling. It's magic. When I brushed my dry hair the next morning, it left my mane soft and smooth without any pulling or breakage.
To sum up my quest for a miracle brush, I 100% recommend this brush. In fact, if you only ever buy a single item I've reviewed or suggested, buy this one. Sure, you can send it to me if you don't like it. No, I won't refund your money. ;)
Update: Congratulations Cat of "What Cat Says" on winning the giveaway! I selected my winner via Random.org's List Randomizer on July 5th, 2012. Your gift is in the mail!
It's that time again... giveaway time!! I'll keep this one nice and simple. This giveaway will run until July 5th at 12pm EDT and is open internationally. Up for grabs is a very lovely charm bracelet from Cutey,
a UK jewelry company. It retails for 12,99 gbp which is approximately $22 USD and boasts
colorful charm beads, a tower, starfish, and is sure to catch the eyes
of those around you. I promise, it's pretty. So pretty that I've considered hoarding it for myself! Okay, so here's how you can enter...
Completing the following 3 steps entitles you to one entry. 1. Follow this blog via GFC.
Do this by clicking on Follow With Google Friend Connect in the right
sidebar. If you don't have a Google account, please follow using
Bloglovin' by clicking here. If you're already following my blog, thank you! 2. Follow me on Twitter here: @theskinnyblonde. 3. Like the SBGBlog page on Facebook here.
Completing the following "bonus" entry tasks entitles you to one bonus entry for each bonus task completed (4 max). Bonus 1. Tweet about the giveaway. Copy and paste the following into a Tweet: "I just entered a giveaway with @theskinnyblonde to win a @cutey bracelet! Enter at http://tinyurl.com/sbgblogwin". Bonus 2. Follow my pins on Pinterest by clicking here. Bonus 3. Follow Cutey at @cutey.
Bonus 4. Post about this giveaway on your blog. You'll need to provide me with the URL to the post!
Leave me a separate comment for each entry. If you've completed
mandatory entry tasks 1-3, leave me ONE comment. If you complete any or
all of the bonus entry tasks, leave a separate comment for each. Be sure
to include your name, any username you've used to complete the tasks,
and email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!
I love a good translucent powder. Over the years, I've tried a handful of different brands and powder types and have been slumming it a little bit with a chalky Maybelline True Fit pressed powder. At first, I thought it was pretty good for the price, but I've been noticing more and more how it settles into every little crack in my skin and makes me look a) wrinkly and b) as if my makeup didn't properly set. Both are bad.
I went to Sephora over the weekend to check out the Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder after hearing dozens of vloggers raving about it on YouTube. After being ignored by a "cast member" for a solid 15 minutes, I finally found the powder on my own and also grabbed the accompanying kabuki brush. Normally, I would have shopped around for a kabuki brush but my husband told me to just grab whatever was going to be "the best" so I got it. The little splurge on a brush can also be attributed to the arrival of my tax refund cheque, I suppose.
At first, I worried I was going to go through the tiny little pot of powder way too quickly and would find myself shelling out a regular $30 replacing it - something I wasn't too excited about. After two uses now, I'm blown away by the miniscule amount of powder actually required for a single makeup application. The powder is so extremely fine yet covers like I've never seen before. I'm very, very impressed. The matte finish lasts all day long and the lighweight powder even manages to set my MAC concealer - something that hasn't been done before since it tends to run a little thicker and creamier than other concealers.
As far as the kabuki brush goes, I love it too. It's so soft and feels amazing on my skin. I'm glad I went ahead and grabbed these two products because I'm already addicted to them and will be making both a staple in my everyday makeup routine.
First, let's start this post off with a moment of silence. Rest in peace, old hair dryer. You lasted a number of years but then went out with a bit of a "pop" and a "bang" and smelled of burning...
If you didn't already guess, my old hair dryer completely died on me last week and left me borrowing my sister's hair dryer until I got around to finding a new one. I picked up the Elchim 3800 Pop Edition in Fuchsia from Trade Secrets because I figured, this time I was going to invest in a solid hair dryer that had multiple heat settings and left my hair feeling soft - not even more dried out.
I didn't get to use my new hair dryer for a few days after I bought it since I like to keep my hair washing down to twice a week to allow for optimal growth and minimal heat damage. When I finally got to use it, it was like magic. I really don't know if the "ionic" bit is true with these sorts of hair dryers, but my hair really did feel super soft and sleek. Plus, the hair dryer fit nicely in my hand as it's a bit more compact than my older one. Its insanely long cord meant no tangles, tripping, or finding myself drying my hair at an awkward angle. My only wish is that it were quieter. Don't get me wrong, it's much quieter than my previous dryers, even at full speed!
Anyways, this is my new hair dryer. It came with a good warranty and definitely does the job. In my beauty books, it was a great buy.
You may recognize these luxe bags from magazines like InStyle, Glamour, Marie Claire, Allure, and People. That's because Torregrossa bags, designed by sister duo Bridget and Megan, are quickly becoming one of the go-to brands for fashion editors, world renowned bloggers, and celebrities alike. The bags are trendy but show a distinct commitment to their label in the way that each bag is clearly Torregrossa. Yes, they throw in a little python (one of the hottest trends of 2012) here and there, but it's done to compliment the bags' existing design and structure rather than to create it. You'll find accents in the way of colour blocking and python print on pockets, edges, ties, and flaps.
I was recently introduced to this brand and wanted to share it with you, my awesome readers. I've been on a real kick lately with finding great, quality bags that aren't necessarily Birkin, Prada, or Louis Vuitton. Yes, those three brands seem to dominate the luxury bag industry - but they're not all that's out there and available to your wardrobe. The price point of a Terrogrossa bag sits somewhere in between $600 and $1,425. I realize this is a little out of reach for some people but I also realize this could be considered quite low to others. Although I maintain my commitment to providing you with affordable and versatile pieces, I don't think it hurts to share something that's worth a little splurging once in a while, especially since my closet is made up of a total mix of luxury labels and high street/mainstream wear.
When I spoke with Bridget Terrogrossa, I was able to get you an awesome discount if you should wish to invest in a new bag from the brand. What's considered an awesome discount, you ask? How about $200 off... any bag? Just type in the coupon code LUCKY200 when you go to checkout and you'll see the price drop down an entire two hundred dollars. [insert quirky but not-so-funny pun about feeling lucky here].
I've included some photos of my top picks from their current collection above and am looking forward to stopping by one of their in-store locations in NYC this fall to snap a few in-person shots of my own. I'd love to know what you think of them, too, so please leave me some feedback in the comments below. xo
I'm really excited to be wearing my newly arrived custom order dress from Spicy Toast. If you'd like to learn more about the Californian label, check out this post. It fits like a glove and is the perfect length. With heels, it hits at a level that shows just enough of the shoe without looking like it shrunk in the wash. With flats, it glides slightly above the ground so you get a floor-length skirt without all the dust bunnies and dirt clinging to the fabric. I'm also sporting my new Aldo flat sandals (read about the purchase here) for the first time and totally love them.
The bag was one of my birthday gifts that I haven't gotten too much use out of yet because I'm paranoid of any dyes rubbing off my clothes and onto the suede. I've sprayed it a couple of times, however, so I think the craziness is largely just in my head at this point. I went easy on the jewelry with this outfit and opted for a pair of striped triangle earrings and a turquoise ring.
In other news, I've been in touch with one of the designers at Terrogossa handbags and have something exciting in the mix for my readers. If you're in the market for a new luxury handbag and have been waiting for a killer discount, you'll definitely want to check back for an exclusive discount code. I don't know exactly when I'll be posting about it, but it will be up on the blog before July. It's pretty exciting! I also added some new items to my blog shop, so check them out and let me know if you'd like anything.
That's it for now. Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday!
#1 Cara Heel, Schultz / #2 Classic Medium Box Bag in Forest, Céline / #3 Etched Stack Cuff, House of Harlow 1960 / #4 Alivia, Oliver Peoples / #5 Primrose Striped Mini Skirt, French Connection / #6 Collared Sleeveless Blouse, Tibi
This is what I envision myself wearing to a game of polo and a luncheon in the Hamptons - if I were ever to venture further East and attend that sort of thing. It's classic with a modern, trendy twist and I love, love, love it. I'd have to say my favourite part of the outfit is the bag (quelle surprise) with the shoes and blouse following at a close second. During NYFW F/W 2012 I became completely captivated by Tibi and love the fashion house's use of silks to create structured yet flowing silhouettes - feminine luxury at its best.
I'm posting this now as I prepare to rush back down to the laundry room and grab my warm, fresh clothes. Although I detest having a shared laundry room, I am pretty happy the building recently upgraded to premium washers - bigger, faster, and all around better. In our next apartment, we will be sure to find something with in-suite laundry.... I can't stand the thought of my underthings tumbling dry on low heat unsupervised. Blech.
What do you think of this outfit? Which is your favourite item?
#1 Studded Wallet on a Chain, Rebecca Minkoff / #2 Ten20, To Be Announced /
#3 Super Thin Quartz Crystal Block Cuff, Pamela Love / #4 Myriam Sunglasses, HOH /
#5 Black M.A.C. Clutch, Rebecca Minkoff
The above items are, in my opinion, completely and utterly drool-worthy. They're the amazing accessories which separate the fully dressed girl from the dressed girl and make an outfit all on their own. I have my heart, and wallet, set on buying the black M.A.C. clutch from Rebecca Minkoff before the summer comes to an end, and don't think I'll make it through the fall without these Ten20 chelsea-style studded boots. How could I not share?
Yet again, I'm late to the party on the whole Pamela Love obsession. I'd love to know if you've purchased any of the PLNYC (do they call it that?) jewelry and what you thought of it! Know of any great look-a-likes? Let me know in a comment, or send me your shopping savvy tips by email to k@theskinnyblondegirl.com. That tax refund cheque is close. I can smell it, I swear!
If you're a regular reader, you've probably noticed my blog going under a little bit of a face lift. It's finally where I'd like it to be - for now, at least - and I'm really excited to unveil my gorgeous new header. I can call it gorgeous without seeming conceited because a) I didn't make it and b) it's a cartoon version of me, not actually me... right? Either way, I'm really happy with how everything has been going and hope you'll stick around on this incredibly awesome journey that is blogging, life, and style. To avoid becoming anymore sentimental, I'm going to sign off now. Enjoy the eye candy in this post and stay tuned for more this week. Oh, and happy #makersday!
This post is about a new Canadian online shopping site.
Since it's rather specialized, I've included the full post after the jump. Click here to read it!
Tomorrow is my one year anniversary - wedding anniversary! Yes, it's "ours" but this isn't his blog and it's mine so forgive me. ;) I have no clue what I'm wearing out to dinner tonight but I figured I'd share my day look. I haven't put on any rings or things like that but know I haven't shared an OOTD in almost a week so here goes nothing.
This is one of the tops I picked up during my frantic Forever 21 trip last weekend. The fitting rooms were overloaded with people and clothes so I tried on what I could, bought a few things, and bolted for the door before it could get any busier. It's actually a thigh-length tunic but I've tucked it into my diaper shorts grey washed denim shorts from AA. I can't express to you how much I love these shorts. They're amazing and incredibly comfortable.
I'm trying to keep from technology as much as I can this weekend to really just enjoy time to myself and with my husband (we both work full time and then spend the majority of our spare time on the computer or our iPhones... bad, I know) so you likely won't be seeing as much of me as usual on Twitter, Instagram, etc, etc. I'll return in full swing this week, however, and would like to remind you about the gorgeous bracelet giveaway ft. Cutey I'll be hosting shortly. As soon as I've got 1,000 Twitter followers - the bracelet is up for grabs.
"Shape it Baby! Mousse creates incredibly volume, definition and movement. It adds shine to your hair while conditioning it at the same time."
I was chatting with another blogger on Twitter a bit ago about mousse. I used to use it in high school when I just wasn't up for the challenge of waking up early to style my hair. I would tousle some mousse through my semi-dry locks and let mother nature do the rest. Because I have a slight natural wave to my hair (it only appears when I let my locks air dry) it would result in an acceptable 'do.
The more I read about the wonders of mousse, the more I wondered why the heck I haven't added a mousse to my hair routine. Jump to me discovering Gosh Professional Shape it Up Baby! Mousse in a local drug store and being captivated by its delicious, fruity scent. It smells so good I swear I could eat it. I've used it for about 3 weeks now and am just as in love as I was the first wash and style. I apply a bit of Gosh mousse to my crown and roots (as well as to my bangs to add a little volume around the face) and then use my regular Moroccan Oil at the ends to keep them nourished throughout the styling process.
The only thing that took a little while to get used to is the slightly sticky/hard feeling you get when your hair is half dry. It's clearly not the end of the world and totally disappears once you give your locks that final brush through, however. My hair looks at least 50% thicker and super healthy. For those of you who worry mousse may add too much excess "stuff" to your hair and lead to more frequent washings, I can happily report I haven't had to wash my hair any more frequently than I already did. I'd say this mousse was a total score and look forward to expanding my search for more great hair products. :)
Happy Tuesday, everybody! These are the two new pairs of shoes I recently purchased from an insane sale at Aldo Shoes. They were an extra 30% off an already reduced price so I was able to snag both for $34 or less.
I'm getting super excited for tonight's season premiere of Pretty Little Liars. I'm a complete Lucy Hale and Shay Mitch fanatic and can't get enough of the sort of dark and twisted teen drama. I've also been working at some blog improvements (such as providing you with larger photographs!) and am still waiting for my gorgeous new blog header to be illustrated. I can feel it in the air that this summer is going to be a great one and am happy to share it all with you, my awesome readers.
I'm glad I was able to stumble upon Aldo's sale and pick up two pairs of sandals instead of just one. I really needed a new pair of flat sandals for summer in a classic, simple colour - black. I'll be able to wear these with cropped skinny jeans, printed trousers and shorts, dresses, and basically anything else. The wedges are going to look awesome paired with prints and patterns as well as solids. I find camel and cognac coloured shoes make my pasty legs look a little more tan (it is possible, I swear) so scooped the wedges up in the above shade.
Do you like my new shoes? Are you totally addicted to Pretty Little Liars? Let me know in a sweet, sweet comment.
This is one of the bracelets I was sent by Cutey. I've chosen to review the Gold Shamballa Bracelet* (and wear it often!) and give away the second I was sent, a beautiful silver charm bracelet. I'll be giving away the charm bracelet this month or next, whenever I reach 1,000 followers on Twitter. Want it? Follow me to stay in the loop!
It's a rainy, yucky Sunday. There won't be an outfit post today but I'd love to show you the gorgeous Shamballa bracelet I was sent by Cutey, a jewelry company in the UK. It retails for £18.99 and comes in a variety of colour options. It is absolutely dazzling.
The materials used to make the bracelet are very high quality and I don't hesitate to say it's one of the best made bracelets (particularly at this low price point) I've had. It feels solid on your wrist and holds its shape incredibly well. I love.
If you're unfamiliar with these types of bracelets, they've been popular for a long, long time. They've recently become a lot trendier and many designers and companies are creating their take on the popular style. The bracelet is also often referred to as "shambhala" which basically means it's supposed to bring you to a place of peace or tranquility. I'm not sure if I felt more peaceful while wearing the bracelet, but I definitely felt well put-together and received a ton of compliments on it. :)
Enjoy the photos and bare with me this week, I promise you'll have some more OOTDs coming shortly. I've been feeling a little under the weather and haven't really been in the mood to whip out the camera but will do so again shortly. Happy Sunday! Who plans on spending their 9-11 watching Game of Thrones, Veep, and Girls? Because I certainly do.
