Today's polish is OPI's An Affair in Red Square. I chose this polish for the upcoming Christmas festivities. This gorgeous red shade is perfect for this time of year. This polish applied like a dream on my nails. It has a smooth formula and I had no problems with streaking. I could have gotten away with just one coat of polish, but for a slightly deeper color I applied two coats.
I had so much fun creating outfit ideas for Thanksgiving that I decided to do another for Christmas. I'm hoping the outfits below give you inspiration for your upcoming holiday gatherings. They range from formal to casual. Hope you all are having a fun and relaxed holiday season.
Though I work in a casual office, I know there are those of you out there who have to bring out the business attire five days a week. One of my friends specifically has to wear a black blazer with black pants or a skirt every day to work. That can get boring very quickly, so I wanted to come up with some ways to add style and interesting visual elements to an otherwise monotonous look. A black suit can be a great blank canvas to bring out your own personal style with little touches.
Here are some of the things I came up with.
1. Add a statement necklace. This can be paired with a solid collared shirt or with a solid white tee. I like how the crystal-like necklace pops on the white tee in the photo below.
2. Bright accessories, like the hot pink belt below, can be used to add color and visual interest. It's a fun way to show off your style and give a youthful touch to the outfit.
3. Adding a fun printed top is always a great way to make a black suit interesting, but have you ever added a dress underneath? Below is the dress I used for this look. I paired it under a skit, but since this dress has thin material, it can also be tucked into pants without a lot of bulk. This is a fun way to re-purpose those dresses you wish you could wear to work instead of a suit.
*The dress I used
*Without the blazer (great for after work)
I also added a thick black belt for another statement piece and to tie the look together.
A neutral necklace would also look nice with this outfit (like the crystal necklace in the first photo)
*With the blazer
4. Adding a pair of tights not only adds warmth in the colder months, but is also a way to customize your look. Below I'm wearing a teal color that is appropriate for the season and not too loud (to keep it business appropriate). You could also choose a dark pair with a subtle print for another variation.
Shoes are always a great visual statement. If you will be on your feet all day, look for flats with an interesting visual element, like embellishments or a little glitter (fun for a holiday party).
Accessorizing doesn't have to stay within the suit. You can also add visual interest with red lips.
Your hair can also be a point of interest. A feminine hair pin can make a statement whether your hair is up or down.
A blouse with a neck tie is a great way to add visual interest and there is no need for a necklace with this look.
Add a fun, printed scarf to your bag or briefcase.
Today's polish review is of Sephora's Cupcake Madness. It is part of Sephora's Color Hit mini nail polish collection that I believe has replaced their older mini polish collection. Cupcake Madness is a lovely, light pink shade with a slight metallic sheen (from very fine silver glitter particles). It applied smoothly and took two coats the achieve the look above. Though I cannot speak for the rest of the collection, the level of opaqueness in this polish does not compare to what I experienced in the older collection of mini Sephora polishes. The staying power is also a little less than the older collection, lasting about 3-4 days before chipping.
I'm happy to announce that my blog follower, Katherine Santschi, is the winner of my Avon giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered and was an active participant in the contest. You all mean a lot to me. (Random.org was used to select the winning party)
I've seen the Sweater Weather Tag all over YouTube and I decided it would be fun to do it here on the blog. I am using the questions from missglamorazzi's channel. Hope you enjoy and I tag any of you who have a blog or YouTube channel to do this as well.
1. Favorite candle scent:
I am currently loving the Mainstays Apple Pumpkin candle I picked up from Walmart. We use a candle warmer and each time I turn it on I get excited to have this scent fill the apartment. It smells so much like fall to me. I love it.
2. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?
When the weather starts to cool down, I love a warm mug of hot chocolate. Sometimes I mix in two packets with milk to make it extra chocolatey.
3. Best fall memory you have:
It only took moments to answer this one. My favorite fall memory is marrying my best friend. We were married among the beautiful fall colors. I will never forget that day.
4.Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?
I love dark lips for fall and winter. My only challenge is making sure my lips stay moisturized in the cooler temperatures.
5. Best fragrance for fall?
Victoria Secret's Midnight Dare. The fragrance has notes of raspberry and sandalwood that create a warm and fruity fragrance that I love to wear this time of year.
6. Favorite Thanksgiving food.
It's so hard for me to decide so I'm picking two: Cranberry Sauce and Green Bean Casserole
These two foods make Thanksgiving complete for me. Yum!
7. What is autumn weather like where you live?
I live in the mountains in Virginia and fall can be a little moody. So far we have had a mostly mild fall (50s to 60s), but every once in a while it will dip into the 40s and 30s.
8. Most worn sweater.
I love this sweater from Victoria's Secret I purchased last year. It's so soft and cuddly.
9. Must-have nail polish this fall:
I'm really loving OPI's In the Cable Car Pool Lane this fall. You can click here to see my recent review.
10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles.
I love a good football game in the fall. Give me a team to cheer for and I'll go all out.
11. Skinny jeans or leggings?
I love skinny jeans, tucked into riding boots with fall-colored socks peaking out.
12. Combat boots or Uggs?
If I had to choose, I'd go with Uggs, even though I don't own any.
13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?
I do enjoy the pumpkin spice flavor, but I'm not so sure it's worth all the hype that is put into it. What I really love during this time of year is the Caramel Apple Spice drink from Starbucks. They are non-caffeinated, but SO yummy.
14. Favorite TV show:
It seems as if most of my favorite shows are on hiatus for the moment, but I'm excited for the return of Downton Abbey on PBS in January.
15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?
Skinny Love by Bon Iver
Exciting news! I'm holding a giveaway! As some of you may know, I've decided to no longer sell mark. and Avon products. However, I have full size and sample products that need a good home. I want one of my lovely followers to win this prize.
The prize includes:
1. Skin So Soft Aroma Therapy Energizing Hand Lotion
2. Clearskin Pore Penetrating Black Mineral Mask
3. mark. Gift of Gab Phone Case (in gold sequin finish)
4. Mega Effects Mascara
Plus samples of eyeshadow, lotion, blush, skin care and perfume.
All the details and rules are below. Good luck!
First, I want to thank everyone who chimed in on Facebook about which polish I should review next. I love hearing your feedback and what you'd like to see.
Today's polish is OPI's In the Cable Car Pool Lane. This beautiful plum shade is from the San Francisco collection for fall 2013. This color is perfect for this time of year and I really enjoy it.
The look above took two coats to apply. When I applied the first coat everything went on smoothly, but on some of my nails (mostly on the other hand) the second coat gave a streaky appearance. I tried to smooth it out with my top coat but it didn't help. If anyone looked at my nails they probably wouldn't notice because the color is so deep. It's just that I know it's there.
I think this polish is great for fall and also for the upcoming winter. I definitely will wear this more through the seasons (I just have to figure out how to keep any streaks away).
Thanks again to all of you who commented on my last post.
I need your help, readers! Let me know which polish you'd like me to review next. I'm having trouble deciding. Leave me a comment letting me know what you think.
Over the weekend I had the honor of serving as a bridesmaid in a wedding. The ladies all got together for some fun mani/pedi time and I chose this lovely neutral shade for my nails. OPI's Don't Burst my Bubble is a great shade for anyone who wants subtle color on their fingers. The look above was with two coats of polish and is still a bit sheer. Normally I like my polishes a bit more opaque. However, the more I wear it, the more the shade grows on me. What do you think? Do you like the sheer color or would you rather have a shade with a more opaque hue?
I am loving mark.s' new collection of fashion and beauty for the upcoming fall season. Below are just some of the pieces I have my eye on.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the products below visit: youravon.com/jackiepuglisi
Also, if you want to be kept up to speed on deals and specials you can like my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/JackiesAVONBoutique (I'm holding a giveaway now until 9/18/13, all you have to do is like my page)
The temperature is beginning to cool in my area and I'm definitely ready for fall. I thought it would be perfect to wear Revlon's Fall Mood to match my excitement for the upcoming season. This glittery, bronze shade is great to match the changing leaves.
One coat of this polish is great and opaque. This is my first experience with a Revlon Colorstay nail color, but if the polish is anything like the great base and top coat I used with it, I'm sure it will last for a while.
Happy Saturday! I was inspired by so many beauty gurus on YouTube who put out monthly favorites videos. As the vids for August favorites circle around, I decided to collect my own stash of favorites to share with you. These are products that I haven't been able to keep my hands off of lately, and some are part of my daily getting ready routine. Let me know in the comment section if you would like to see more of these kinds of blogs.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance: I have been using this primer for many, many months. I love it over the highly favored UD Primer Potion because I think this works better on oilier eyelids. This primer does a great job at fighting eyeshadow creases.
Soap & Glory Hand Food: LOVE this hand lotion! I even have family members hooked on this stuff. It keeps my hands super soft and I get so many compliments about how yummy it smells.
Urban Decay Naked palette: If I had to choose one eyeshadow palette to use for the rest of my life it would be this one. I gravitate toward mostly neutral shades and this palette has it all. You can tell there is a little more of a dent in the lighter shades. Sin and Naked are my favorite shades from the palette. I keep waiting for the day I will hit pan on one of them. Hasn't happened yet, but it could be any day now.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: I went through my share of dud concealers before I finally found this one. It covers my dark circles and adds a brightening effect to make me look more awake. Even if I don't put on a full face of makeup, I will use this before walking out the door.
e.l.f. Shine Eraser: I CAN'T be without these oil blotting sheets. I have a stash of these at home and in my purse. My skin can get really oily in the middle of the day and these are great at getting rid of all that unnecessary shine. Sure, other companies sell these, but the e.l.f brand sheets are $1! Can't beat that!
Bath and Body Works White Citrus: This has been my go-to scent of the summer. It is so fresh and it lifts my mood when I wear it. Bath and Body Works describes this as "a modern citrus blend of crisp lemon, invigorating grapefruit, lush water lily and alluring ginger flower." Yum!
NYX Lip Gloss in Beige: This is a pretty, pink shade that is perfect for a fresh face look. This creamy gloss isn't sticky and smells like candy. (Swatch below)
Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake: This beautiful pink shade is like my lips, but better. It goes perfectly with my NYX
lip gloss (above) and keeps my pout hydrated. (Swatch below)
Left: NYX gloss in Beige; Right: Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
I just had to add my little pouches. The clear one I have had for a long time, and the black mesh pouch was a recent purchase from Walmart (I picked up one in hot pink too, not pictured). These are great for keeping my purse organized. All I have to do is reach in and pull out a pouch. No more digging around in a huge bag for a tiny item. And because they are see-through, I don't have to guess what is in each one.
