Holiday Favorites!

While this post may be a touch late, I would like to share some of my favorite pieces I received for Christmas. 

We had a wonderful holiday in my home and I am so grateful for it.  The above photo highlights some of the wonderful gifts that I received. 

1.  Clarisonic Mia:  While a review on it at this point would be a bit premature since I have only been using it a week straight; I can tell you that at this point I am beyond THRILLED with the results.  My skin-tone is even and bright since I began using it.  More details to come later.

2.  Chandelier Earrings:  My husband knows me well- the sparklier the earring, the happier the wife ;)  He picked these out at a little boutique and I LOVE them.  Here's a closeup shot:

3.  Victoria's Secret goodies:  I received a great pair of sparkly tank style pjs from my mom and some beautiful lingerie from my husband.  

4.  Michael Kors Parker Bootie in Coffee:  My husband picked these out since he thought I had enough tall boots at home (I gently let him know that I can never have enough tall boots at home-lol).  With that being said, these boots look adorable on and the look is reminiscent of a cute snow-bunny.  The gold studs detailing the boot are quite similar to the ShoeDazzle tall boots I own in the style called Dallas.  They are featured in this post HERE. 

5.  Coach Filomena Vachetta Heels:  Seriously, I am in love with this shoe.  First, they are beyond comfortable.  Second, and more importantly, they look amazing on.  To me, they are both sophisticated AND sexy.  I have paired these with a skinny jean, but I think they would look equally as lovely with a pencil skirt.  Here's a closer look:

6.  Gucci Guily Fragrance:  I am smitten with this fragrance.  The dry down is so soft and alluring.  My husband enjoys this fragrance on me too.  It reminds me a touch of my Dolce and Gabbana The One fragrance which is absolutely my go-to scent.

7.  Gift Certificate for Ballroom Dancing Lessons!:  My all-time favorite show is Dancing with the Stars.  I have wanted to take ballroom lessons for the past few years to no avail.  I mentioned to my mother that a ballroom dancing studio opened up relatively close to my home.  Amazingly enough, she called up and ordered a gift certificate for both my husband and I.  I am so thrilled!!  Argentine Tango- here I come!

I am hoping everyone is enjoying all of their holiday goodies.  By the way, I am really inspired by everyone's entries to my giveaway- the resolutions have been thought provoking and fun to read!  

XO

Jolene

"One for You...and One for Me"

While out holiday shopping this weekend for my family, I couldn't resist picking up a few small goodies for myself too.  I kept all of my own purchases on the festive side, as I plan to wear them specifically on days I will be celebrating the holidays with family.  

 Fun bow hoop earrings from Betsey Johnson.  Retails for $45, but with sale plus coupon at Lord & Taylor, I was able to snag these for around $25.

Betsey Johnson Bow Hoop Earrings 

 Another view:

Betsey Johnson Bow Hoop Earrings

Had to have this nail polish!  Will absolutely wear on Christmas Day and possibly for New Year's Eve too!  Fun, glittery red.  Purchased at Lord & Taylor for $18.

Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slipper

I love hair accessories almost as much as I love jewelry accessories.  What could be more fun than a pack of sparkly headbands from Forever 21 for only $3.50?

  Forever 21 Sparkly Headbands

And, finally, while not exactly "festive"; I purchased the Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Rich Vanilla for $35.  I will be doing a proper review of this foundation shortly.  In brief, I love it- nice coverage, perfect color match, and did not make me oily.  

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Rich Vanilla

Hope you are enjoying your holiday shopping as much as I am! 

Brilliant Baubles

Jewelry, Shoes, Makeup, Fragrance- My Loves!

Shoe addict?  Check.  Makeup Addict?  Check.  Jewelry Addict?  Check.  

Who doesn't love the transformational power of jewelry?   Jewelry can elevate a mood, change the look of an outfit, bring forth wonderful memories...

I thought I would share some of my pieces.  I like to mix high-end with low-end, vintage with everyday costume pieces, stack rings and bracelets, mix silver and gold.  Jewelry Rules?  Not for me.  My goal is to just have fun.

One of my favorite rings below.  My beloved grandmother used to tell me that she picked me out of a rose garden in heaven when I was born.  Needless to say, I love "rose" items.

Joan Boyce Crystal "One Perfect Rose Ring"

Here's a fun cocktail ring below that came with the Michael Kors Very Pretty fragrance set last year.  The fragrance solid is nestled inside the ring.

Michael Kors "Very Pretty" Cocktail Ring

Fun bracelets that I have blogged about before in this post here: 

L- Ann Taylor Loft Bracelet  R-Paula Abdul Cuff

I would love to hear about some of your favorite pieces!

FOTD: Featuring Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

Last night I had a wonderful night out in NYC with some fabulous girlfriends.  I decided to try out the Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder to celebrate the occasion.  This enchanting highlighter gives a "lit from within" glow.  The highlight it produces is really very delicate, not overly shimmery; yet really sophisticated.  The product has 5 color bands (ivory, champagne, tan, bronze, and peach)  that I swirled together for a pretty sheen.  The formula blends like a dream and marries with your cheek color beautifully.  I am thrilled I have this in my makeup arsenal!    

FACE:

Foundation:  Philosophy The Supernatural (Sand)

Concealer:  Bobbi Brown Creamy (Beige)
Powder:  Chanel Double Perfection (Sable)

Cheeks:  MAC Eversun

Highlight:  Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

 
EYES:

Brows:  MAC Brow Crayon- Lingering

Primer:  Urban Decay Primer Potion

Eyeliner:  Lancome Artliner (Noir) and Urban Decay 24/7 (Zero)

Mascara base:  Shiseido Nurturing Mascara Base

Mascara:  YSL Singulier

LIPS:

Highlight:  NARS Copacabana above Cupid's Bow

Lipstick:  Beaute #37

(Left):  Ann Taylor Loft bracelet  (Right):  Paula Abdul cuff from HSN

Additionally, I wanted to share a fantastic little bracelet I picked up at Ann Taylor -The Loft.  This is another great little jewelry find I've had at this store (for my other great find, read HERE).  I paired it with a cuff bracelet I've owned for about two years now from the Paula Abdul line at HSN.  Not only do I love to stack jewelry, but both pieces have a golden silver undertone to them.  

Happy Thursday everyone! 

Surprisingly Fantastic Jewelry at Ann Taylor LOFT

Ann Taylor LOFT bracelet

On occasion, I will pop into Ann Taylor LOFT to peruse their latest fashion offerings.  While the store does not particularly define my style, I have found several key wardrobe pieces there that I have enjoyed.  Additionally, they have good sales pretty frequently that I sometimes take advantage of (Hello $30 denim days). 

Having said that, it completely took me by surprise when I wandered over to their jewelry/accessories display to find that I was semi-entranced by several pieces.  The real gem of the situation (pun intended) was the fact that most of the merchandise was marked down by 50%.  I purchased the above bracelet for $12 (originally marked $24).  The photo really doesn't do it justice as the piece is weighty (in other words...does not feel like it cost only $12) and the stones have a great sparkle.  Personally, I think it can be dressed up or down.

Heck, I don't even bat an eyelash when I spend $5 on a latte.  So, to spend $12 on a cute piece of costume jewelry that I hope to wear again and again seems worth it to me.

Has anyone else ever had a great jewelry score at the LOFT??