Life was meant to be lived in style

A Life of Style: I'm Cocoa Buttery

2009-12-07T19:20:00.006-06:00

My nemesis, winter has arrived to spread bitter cold and icy air all over the city of Chicago.

Gotta love Midwest living...

This winter I am fighting dry skin with cocoa butter. Palmer's Cocoa Butter is a long time favorite product. I slather it on while my skin is slightly damp and rub it in very well. Then I breathe in all that warm cocoa buttery scent. Aaaahhh...

Next I spray on CVS Pharmacy Cocoa Butter Dry Oil Spray. This helps seal the moisture in and is a great way to layer all that wonderful cocoa loveliness.

My skin stays smooth and moisturized throughout the whole day.

Stay Cocoa Butterlicious!

(p.s. pay no attention to my cluttered bathroom shelves. I'm a product junkie.)

A Life of Style: What The Pink Slip Fashionista Wore

2009-12-07T11:46:00.004-06:00

Soooo.... I have officially been unemployed for one year. I am bored and well past ready to go back to work. Major cubicle withdrawals and missing office camaraderie. I just need someone to HIRE ME but first I need the phone to ring for an interview, but that's another post.

Despite the fact that I'm not working, I still get dressed everyday. Blue jeans have become my everyday go to wardrobe staple. I have over sixty pairs so I can rotate quite often. I find that jeans are very easy to create various looks, just change the top and accessories. Perhaps I've gotten a little lazy with my style - who could blame me? Despite that, I think I manage to look very cute and never frumpy or boring.

Viva la blue jeans!!!

out of work fashonista by citydiva19 featuring Gucci bags
'>That's today's outfit. I have some errands to run and I'm meeting a friend for lunch in an hour.

A Life of Style: Book Review - 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle

2009-11-02T11:36:00.003-06:00

Hello World!

I was given the opportunity to review Dawn Del Russo's new book "101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle"

This is a fabulous primer to keep in your bag and refer to often. The book is filled with tips to remind us to always be the best person we can and how to maintain it all.

I think the book would be a great gift for a young lady starting out on her own and even women who are already established in their careers can benefit from these 101 tips. Sometimes life (the job, the man, the kids, family demands, etc...) gets in the way and we forget those little things that serve to boost our confidence and brighten our days. Nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than a fresh manicure, a new lip gloss, or cupcakes.

Take a peek inside Dawn Del Russo's book via Amazon.com

A Life of Style: Target & Macy's Retail Therapy

2009-10-19T10:43:00.013-05:00

Hello Stylish Ones! How was your weekend? I hope it was time well spent. My weekend was a pretty low key affair with a bit of retail therapy to lift my spirits.

<--- (The boots that forced themselves into my life. left: Bandolino Burke & right: Merona Zandra Flannel Rain Boots)

As some of you know, I am addicted to Target. Everytime I go to Target, I walk out with way more than I intended to buy. This Saturday was no exception. I told myself I was only going in to pick up my prescription and leaving. Yeah right! As soon as I walked inside Target, I was assaulted by a sign "Mossimo Long Sleeve Crewneck Tees $7" Before I knew it I grabbed a cart and tossed in three of the tee shirts. So the Target magnetic pull began and I was leisurely strolling down aisle after aisle. I'm convinced that once I enter any Target store, an invisible magnetic force locks in on me and refuses to let go until I have walked every square inch of the store.

"My name is Kim and I'm a Target addict."

In addition to the tee shirts, I got new rainboots, tights, and some funky argyle socks. Totally forgot about picking up my prescription so I had to go back. Hilarious.

Now on to Macy's. I avoid Macy's at all costs. Marshall Fields was my store and I was heartbroken when Macy's took over the historic State Street Marshall Fields location. Yeah I should probably get over it but I won't and no one can make me. I was on my way home when I got a text from a friend informing me of a great sale on boots and shoes at Macy's. Shopaholic that I am, I met her there. A pair of Bandolino boots twice marked down caught my eye. How could I resist? In addition to the boots being marked down, the sales associate informed me of a 25% off coupon that I could purchase for $5 (the five bucks was going towards a charity to feed the hungry). How could I deny the hungry a meal? I took the bait and the boots.

Now back to job hunting... Toodles!

A Life of Style: Will Work For Clothes...

2009-09-21T18:34:00.009-05:00

As much as I love fashion and the thrill of new clothes, I’m the wrong person to be without a job.
Last December I was downsized and playfully dubbed myself ‘The Pink Slip Fashionista’. My friends call me a shopaholic. I admit I do love to shop. There are not too many stores I can leave without making some kind of purchase. What can I say? Shopping is my sport.

Over the past few months I have indulged in a lot of shopping. The deals at my favorite stores were just too good to pass up. Alas, I've entered month number ten of unemployment. Shopping for clothes has become a long ago past time as I'm forced to monitor my pennies more closely (cue the violins, cry me a river).

All the September issues of my favorite lifestyle and fashion magazines arrived with an overabundance of decadent, must have (can’t afford) fall fashions that did nothing but taunt me. It was enough to send me into a panicked fashion state of emergency. Does FEMA help the fashion starved? Could I lobby for NYFW to adopt me?

I was faced with quite a style dilemma. How can I maintain my personal style with such a limited budget. In an effort to make past seasons pieces current, I had to create a plan. I made a list of the fall trends that I like (see below), then I referred to my wardrobe inventory spreadsheet and my closet to see what I have. Once I finished, I realized I only need to make a few small purchases. Some trends I embraced this season and some I won’t even bother with because they aren't my style.

I'm coveting a leather motorcycle jacket to throw over a ruffled blouse. That’s about as biker chic as I plan to go, but unless a new job is on the horizon within the next few weeks, I will be forced to be a biker babe in my dreams only. Why do I always like the most expensive items???

Fall 2009 Trends I Love:
Plaid
Metallic & Sequins
Ruffles
Statement necklaces & bold cocktail rings
Floral prints
White shirts
Gray
Skinny Jeans & Leggings
Ankle Boot or shootie as Rachel Zoe calls them, lol

The motorcycle jacket I'm in love with:

D&G (Yeah I know...) Lambskin Leather Motorcycle Jacket

Michael Jackson Official This Is It Trailer 2009 HQ

2009-09-14T12:38:00.001-05:00

I can't wait to see this!

Harper's Bazaar October Issue: Miss Janet

2009-09-09T11:10:00.004-05:00

I'm too excited about my idol, Janet Jackson gracing the cover of the October issue of Harper's Bazaar. I can't wait until my issue arrives in the mail. Kudos to HB for such an excellent cover story.

Be sure to tune into the MTV VMAs to watch Miss Jackson open the show and BRING IT in what will be a spectacular and fitting tribute to her brother, Michael.

Dear Michael...

2009-09-08T23:58:00.003-05:00

Michael Jackson: My first love, my hero, the greatest entertainer of our time, Humanitarian, the King of Pop, Son, Brother, Father, and Friend. Rest in peace.

It has taken me two months to put some words together about Michael Jackson. Since his passing, I’ve cried and played ALL his music. I just wanted to hold onto the good times a little while longer.

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, I checked CNN as I always do and splashed across their home page were the words “Michael Jackson rushed to hospital. Suffered cardiac arrest.” My heart began to race, my hands became cold, and my nerves were officially on edge.

Luckily, I have a Blackberry so I can stay informed while on the go. Twitter was abuzz with varying messages; pedestrians were passing by texting and talking on their cell phones. I refused to believe anything unless it came from CNN or another reputable news source.

I was walking towards my apartment building, when I received a CNN text confirming what I did not want to believe; Michael Jackson has died. At that moment I could no longer hear anything, all the activity around me seemed to pause. I was in a state of complete shock and as I walked those last few feet to my building, I began to cry. Once inside my apartment, I collapsed on the sofa and cried my heart out. Yes. It was that serious for me.

Ever since I can remember, Michael Jackson has been in my life. My mother took me to see “The Wiz” when I was four-years old. The moment the Scarecrow appeared on the screen, I remember thinking “he’s cute” and I was mad the crows were teasing him. I was completely blown away when he sang “You Can’t Win”. There was just something about that Scarecrow.

Songs from Off The Wall were in heavy rotation when I was in kindergarten. I remember the deejay saying Michael Jackson’s name after certain songs so I committed his name to memory.
After seeing him on the cover of a Jet magazine, I was in love. When Thriller came out – I was an older and wiser nine-year-old girl who decided the year before that I wanted to be Michael Jackson's wife when I grew up.

I was beyond OBSESSED with all things Michael. At night I prayed, “Please God, when I grow up I just want to marry Michael Jackson.” In my mind, he was everything and we were getting married. His pictures covered my walls. My bedroom was a Michael Jackson shrine. I made scrapbooks dedicated to him, wrote him a ton of letters, and joined his fan club. If there was a contest to meet him or win concert tickets, I entered and enlisted the parentals to enter also. Looking back I know I drove my parents crazy but I was a little girl with a hardcore crush and I meant business.

His music was all I wanted to hear. My paltry allowance went towards the purchase of buttons, magazines, bags, and books. There wasn’t enough paraphernalia I could get my little hands on. Our fifteen-year age difference did not matter to me at all, had he knocked on my door, I would have grabbed my Cabbage Patch doll and followed him anywhere, lol. I knew every song on Thriller word for word. I had no clue what Human Nature was but I figured it involved being able to stay up late and be outside with Michael so I wanted to sign up!

Michael Jackson provided the soundtrack to my life. His videos were way ahead of the times we were living in during the 1980s. In one day, I watched the “Beat It” video ten times. I never missed any of his television performances. When he moonwalked for the first time during Motown's 25th Anniversary, I screamed and jumped up and down as if I was front row center.

The same reaction fans had seeing him in person were just the same I had watching him on television. I still get chills watching old footage of him. My devotion to him never wavered.

Regardless of all the crazy rumors, tabloid fodder, and absurd accusations, I loved Michael Jackson. He was an artist, a genius, and someone almost unreal. My one regret is that I never saw him in concert and I’ll never have a chance to. Michael Jackson was the end all be all for me - he had the looks, the voice, the moves, and a style all his own. Say what you want, he was very much a trendsetter.

Michael Jackson believed he was born to share his musical gift with the world. He achieved that and so much more. His music lifted my spirits and brought comfort to me when I was a little girl who didn't understand some of the things going on around her. So I'll try not to cry over the loss of such an amazing talent anymore but instead I will celebrate his life and legacy.

Rest in peace, Michael, you were the best that ever did it.

I'm Baaaaack!!!!

2009-09-08T12:50:00.005-05:00

*Walked into the room, let the sunlight in, looking around, hmmm...thinking I should set up shop right over there, just let me set this down...Gotta get my iPod, plug in my laptop, grab a stack of mags...then I'll be ready.*

Are you ready? Let's go...

A Life of Style: Blogging Hiatus

2009-06-11T09:19:00.003-05:00

Hey Lovelies!!! I'm taking a little blog hiatus. I need to revamp, revitalize, and refocus. There's a lot going on these days and I'm having a hard time balancing it all. I need more time to devote to blogging and I need to refocus my blog's purpose. So in the lab I go...I'll talk to you all soon.

Stay fab, stay chic, and always live in style ;)

2009-06-10T00:15:00.000-05:00

Quiz: Is Your Skin Clean Enough?

Find out if your routine is really getting rid of excess dirt and oil

Everyone slacks on their skin care now and then but do you do it too often? Cleaning skin correctly is vital for a clear complexion. Find out if you need to step up your regimen.

Take the quiz

2009-06-04T00:23:00.000-05:00

The Best "As Seen on TV" Makeup

These hits, from channels like QVC and HSN, have our readers running for the phone

We've all done it: you can't sleep, turn on the TV, watch a spokesperson rave about some new makeup, and the next thing you know you're pulling out your credit card. Problem is, not all of those late-night impulse buys are that great. However, after checking out this list of the top "as seen on TV" makeup, you'll know what's worth the splurge.

See makeup

No. 12: Dior Mascara Diorshow, $24

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4*

"It gives me the most dramatic and thick lashes, and makes them look so long..."

No. 11: Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup/Foundation, $24.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*

"It is a snap to apply, lasts a long time, doesn't look cakey or dry and really appears natural..."

No. 10: Laura Geller Balance & Brighten Compact, $29.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.2*

"This is my go-to foundation whenever I am in a hurry and... don't have time for a full face of makeup..."

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!

A Life of Style: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Mascara

2009-06-02T19:45:00.001-05:00

Hello Fab Ones!!!! I'm back with a review of Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Mascara. I must preface this review by stating I knew this mascara would give me the desired results (Max Factor and Cover Girl are both owned by Procter & Gamble with Pat McGrath as the Creative Design Director)

Cover Girl mascaras make my eyes burn badly and I knew to expect the same sting with 2000 Calorie Extreme. I'm such a trooper that I suffered through the tears for one day, lol!

The volume was great. My lashes were separated and there was no clumping. Sadly the formula irritates my eyes otherwise this is a pretty good mascara.

2009-06-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

Quiz: Is Your Eye Cream a Rip-Off?

Pinpoint the right ingredients for dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles

Whether you're ready to dump your current eye treatment or still testing the water, take this quiz to find out what product will work best for your eye issues.

Take the quiz

A Life of Style: Anna Wintour on 60 Minutes

2009-05-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

A Life of Style: Happy Birthday Janet!!!!

2009-05-16T23:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to Miss Janet Damita Jo Jackson.

I'm a lifelong Janet fan. I love her music and her style. Janet is quiet and classy but she's got a whole other side to her (just like me, lol)

Miss Janet, you just keep getting better with time. Enjoy your day, 43 looks good on you ;)

Janet's MTV Sweet 16 Spoof:

JANET JACKSON

A Life of Style: What Not to Wear is Back

2009-05-15T16:57:00.004-05:00

For Immediate Release: May 14, 2009 Press Contact: Joanna Brahim, (212) 548-5005, joanna_brahim@discovery.com

VETERAN HIT SERIES “WHAT NOT TO WEAR” RETURNS WITH ALL NEW EPISODES ON TLC Season Seven Premieres on Friday, May 29 Featuring “Blossom” Star Mayim Bialik

(New York, NY) – On Friday, May 29 at 9pm ET/PT, TLC fan-favorite WHAT NOT TO WEAR returns with a brand new season and a very special season opener. In the series’ first episode to feature a celebrity and after numerous “Blossom” references over the course of several seasons, Stacy and Clinton finally take matters into their own hands and nominate actress Mayim Bialik.

Mayim, now a mother of two, admits she is in desperate need of a makeover and welcomes Stacy and Clinton’s expertise as they try and help transform her style from quirky/hippy and uber casual to chic mom-on-the-go. Viewers will take part in Mayim’s journey as she is thrown into an emotional and physical transformation and learns she can still be true to herself with a new, more mature look after ditching her Blossom-reminiscent rags.

Ever wonder what you could actually buy with $5,000? Season seven includes a new portion of the show that breaks down exactly what each contributor was able to purchase with their shopping card. Additionally, Stacy and Clinton will visit brand new cities including Detroit and Denver, and will conduct some of their infamous “ambushes” like never before as they surprise their fashionably challenged nominees during live TV and radio hits.

And in true TLC fashion, viewers will see the highs and lows of these experiences as Season seven proves that there isn’t always a happy ending when one of the contributors has an emotional breakdown over her new haircut. The series will also reach a major milestone during this season, marking its 250th episode.

A Life of Style: Kerry Washington

2009-05-13T07:25:00.004-05:00

Kerry Washington is one of my style icons. I really admire how she always looks so chic and pulled together.

At last Saturday's White House Correspondent’s Dinner, Ms. Washington wore a navy blue gown and her makeup was simply gorgeous.

Here are the L'Oreal products that were used:
*HiP Bright Shadow Duo in Roaring
*Au Currant Color Riche Lipcolour
*Bare Naturale Mascara - Black Brown
*Bare Naturale Blush - Pinched Pink

A Life of Style: The Best & Worst Dressed at the Costume Institute Gala

2009-05-13T00:45:00.003-05:00

The fashions at this year's Met Costume Institute Gala ranged from classic evening wear, to thigh skimming cocktail dresses to some downright cringe worthy looks.

Here are my picks for best and worst dressed.

Let's get the Worst dressed out the way, shall we?

(L): Andre Leon Talley in what I can only describe as a nylon cocoon. I don't even want to know what's underneath and let's take a gander at those Pilgrim-esque loafers. Ugh! ALT looks downright scary in that upscale trash bag.

(M): Leighton Meester wore Louis Vuitton. Very Wonder Woman couture, in my opinion and not Leighton's best look. (R): Madonna thought rocking this Louis Vuitton was the way to go. I'm getting a very Robin Hood vibe from her look.

The Best Dressed:

Left to right: Iman in Donna Karen. Loving the strong, clean lines. She looks amazing. Classic and timeless Iman as always.

Donna Karen in one of her designs. You can never go wrong in black, its tres elegant.

Liz Hurley in Elie Saab Couture. Elie Saab is one of my favorite designers so I'm a little biased in selecting this as one of the best dressed of the night. Marion Cotillard in a gorgeous Christian Dior gown that highlights her curves.

Another Christian Dior gown worn by the classy Marisa Berenson who looks lovely in lavendar.

And last but not least the infamous Kanye West with his new girlfriend, Amber Rose. Miss Rose cleans up quite nice in red Carolina Herrera. Mr. West looks quite dapper in his custom made Louis Vuitton.

Check out all the looks from the gala here

A Life of Style: Avon Mini Haul

2009-05-12T15:15:00.002-05:00

My BFF is a new Avon representative and being the beauty junkie that I am, I'll be sending some business her way. My first Avon mini haul is pictured above. I purchased:

mark Rebel Rose - Smells ABSOLUTELY divine. It's an edgier rose fragrance that manages to be sweet and sexy at the same time.

Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Facial Hair Removal Cream - I confess, I've always had a slight 'stache and waxing it hurts like hell. This cream got rid of my 'stache very quickly and my top lip remains hair free ;)

Banishing Cream Skin Discoloration Improver -I have a tiny scar on my shoulder and want to see how well this hydroquinone-free formula makes it disappear.

mark Winkstick Hook Up Eye Shadow Stick - Envious - A metallic green cream e/s that looks great on darker skin.

mark Mini Mark-It Stick for Eyes - Cocoa Bean - A girl can never have too many neutral colors for a daytime look.

To place an Avon order click here

A Life of Style: Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash

2009-05-12T09:34:00.006-05:00

I've been using the newest body wash by Caress, Evenly Gorgeous, for a few weeks and I adore it.

Evenly Gorgeous is an exfoliating body wash that contains burnt brown sugar and karite butter. I use it with my exfoliating gloves and afterwards I'm smoother than silk.

I use Evenly Gorgeous everyday because the scent is so addictive. When I first smelled it, I knew I was going to love it. The scent is warm, sweet, and kinda cocoa-y.

If you haven't tried Caress Evenly Gorgeous get to your local drugstore and pick it up unless you don't need a great exfoliating body wash ;)

*Note to Caress: An Evenly Gorgeous Lotion would be a great compliment to the body wash.

A Life of Style: Happy Mothers' Day

2009-05-09T23:59:00.003-05:00

Best Advice We Got from Mom

Our favorite beauty tips from -- yeah, we said it.

Ever since we watched our mothers get ready for a night out (and snagged a bit of lipstick and eye shadow when they weren't looking), they've been sharing beauty tricks. From fighting wrinkles to looking gorgeous with or without makeup, we must admit we've learned a lot (see Mom, we were listening!). And even though "a lady never tells," we couldn't resist sharing our favorite gems of advice.

See advice

2009-05-03T09:14:00.002-05:00

14 Products That Won't Keep Your Skin Young

Skincare addicts beware: These eye creams and moisturizers won't likely smooth away your wrinkles and age spots -- so save your money

With proper skincare habits, a little product can go a long way to help reduce signs of aging over time. But before you invest, make sure you're getting your money's worth: Avoid these overhyped, overpriced disappointments.

See products

A Life of Style: Halle by Halle Berry

2009-04-29T22:45:00.001-05:00

Halle Berry has always seemed like she would be the cool, stylish friend everyone has. I've been wearing her new signature fragrance, Halle, and I'm very happy with the latest celebrity scent.

The fragrance notes according to the website are:

Head: Sicilian Bergamot, Fig leaves, Pear blossom

Heart: Freesia petals, Hibiscus flower, Ultra mimosa

Base: Sandalwood, Driftwood, Cashmere Musk, Olibanium Absolute, Sensual Amber

There's a lot going on in the bottle but it all blends together perfectly. Halle is a great fragrance. It smells like nothing else on the market right now. Miss Berry created a truly one of a kind fragrance. It's light yet musky and very feminine. I'm always a little leary of musk fragrances in the spring/summer, but there are no worries here. In my opinion, Halle is a year round scent.

Halle can be purchased at JC Penney, Kohls, Sears, Target, and Wal Mart.

For more information:

Halle Berry Fragrances

A Life of Style: Huge Lips, Skinny Hips

2009-04-29T19:59:00.005-05:00

For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Whisper PR/ Arielle Cohen , Lauren Weissman
tel: 646-336-6420 │email: arielle@whisperpr.com, lauren@whisperpr.com

FEED YOUR HUNGER FOR SEXY LIPS, WHILE KEEPING CALORIES AWAY FROM HIPS:
INTRODUCING HUGE LIPS, SKINNY HIPS, A NEW LIP GLOSS COLLECTION FROM PURPLE LAB

New York, NY – If only thin hips were a lick away. The innovative new cosmetics company Purple Lab has conjured up Huge Lips, Skinny Hips, a ground-breaking lip gloss offering non-invasive access to the lips and hips women have always dreamed about. Chic color, luscious volume and a slimmer figure for those skinny jeans are all just a wave of the lip gloss wand away with an exclusive formulation—including plump-prompting Vitamin B3 and the natural appetite suppressant Hoodia—in six universally-flattering, high-gloss hues.

“Huge Lips, Skinny Hips is the answer to every girl's beauty dreams—sophisticated lip color, plumping performance and a natural way to curb those carb cravings,” says Purple Lab Creatrix, fashion/beauty insider, author and media personality Karen Robinovitz. “It’s the perfect secret weapon for surviving cocktail parties without succumbing to all the hors d’oeuvres.”

Extending beyond the boundaries of traditional lip gloss, Huge Lips, Skinny Hips’ revolutionary formulation features Hoodia Gordoni Extract, which is derived from the cactus-like plant indigenous to South Africa and Namibia and has been used safely for centuries for its appetite-suppressing benefits. The formulation also includes Vitamin B3 to stimulate blood flow to the lip surface, diminish the appearance of unsightly wrinkles around the lip area and comfortably create a plumping effect without stinging or burning. Other lip-conditioning ingredients include natural lipids that bind water to the skin, as well as Meadow Foam to moisturize to perfection and Lemon Peel Oil to offer instant cooling. Committed to a healthy pout, the formulation is paraben-free.

Designed to inspire with every application, the collection’s six hues pay homage to Robinovitz’s favorite icons and philosophies. Red Sole (a sultry red inspired by the bottom of seductive Louboutin heels), Love Your Thighs (a flirty coral and Robinovitz’s personal mantra), Worship Kate (a rich pink glitter tribute to Kate Moss), Lychee Martini (a frothy peach inspired by her favorite fruit), No Panty Lines (a shiny clear) and Kitty Poledancer (the perfect nude and a nickname given to Robinovitz for her love of dancing) are each packaged with colorful anecdotes about the meaning behind the name of the shade. And the packaging is sleek, eye-popping fun—an hourglass-shaped box in glossy ombre dyed purple with metallic hot pink accents.

Purple Lab’s Huge Lips, Skinny Hips will debut in Spring 2009 for $20.00 at Scoop and Space.N.K. Co-Founder of Scoop, Stefani Greenfield, says “Everything that Karen does has a fresh and innovative marketing twist—this is truly ‘sexy yummy’.”

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