Let's Face It

Spring to summer is a time to clean up and rid yourself of the impurities of life, but why not do the same with your face? Healthy skin is important to me, and I've been using a great new product. CosMedix Purity Clean is a gentle, yet potent cleanser that is designed to lift away not only dirt and makeup, but pollutants as well! The peppermint scented cleanser cools my skin and leaves it feeling rejuvenated - perfect for the hot summer weather!

CosMedix Purity Clean is great for morning and night. The refreshing feeling wakes my skin up, yet washes away the grime of the day to make it feel relaxed at night. I have tried a lot of different cleansers, and I think using a good one like Cosmedix Purity Clean is important. Let's face it - clean, healthy skin glows!

Love,

Amanda

Featured: CosMedix Purity Clean Cleanser. $34. Available at CosMedix.com, spas, and various retailers nationwide. http://www.cosmedix.com/products/purity-clean-exfoliating-cleanser

Je t'aime 'Le Sac'

Summer is here, and that means lots of flip flops and sun dresses! Dresses are essential to any summer wardrobe, and with busy schedules of days at the beach, cook outs, and nights out, you may find yourself looking for day-to-night dresses that are easy and comfy for hot summer days. American Apparel's Le Sac dress is the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe. It solves the problem of buying many different dresses because can be worn so many different ways, looking like a new dress every time!

Le Sac dress is available in a variety of colors, and American Apparel also offers changeable "Le Strings" that can change the look of the dress even more. At a reasonable $38 you get multiple dresses in one. I wear mine as a strapless day dress, and then change it to a lower-cut halter for a night out! The quality is great, and multiple pictures accompanying an on-line instructional video offer numerous ideas on how to wear this versatile piece of clothing. It is a little intimidating at first, but I promise it is easy to wear it a million different ways! I love Le Sac!

Love,

Amanda

Featured: American Apparel's Le Sac Dress. $38. http://www.americanapparel.com/rsa0300.html?cid=29

Clutch Crush

If there is one item that every girl should have, it is this versatile clutch/wallet. Either to throw in your bag to use as a wallet, or to take out with you as a stylish clutch at night, Hobo International's double frame clutch is definitely an accessory-wardrobe essential. Multiple compartments and space allow you to hold money, credit cards, change, a phone, and I even manage to stuff my camera in there as well! It is easier than switching your items from wallets to clutches back to wallets. Multiple colors are offered seasonally (I prefer a fun colored one that doesn't match anything), and while it's priced at about $100 they always go on sale at the end of each season (to about $65). For the versatility, style, and quality, $100 is worth it in my opinion.

Spending $100 or even $65 may sound outrageous for some, but there are tons of look-a-likes that are the same great style as the Hobo. I have seen them at Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and Nordstrom's BP department to name a few. A perfect item to own that you will be sure to use almost every day (because I know I do)! And it also makes a great gift for women of all ages! I am obsessed with this clutch, and I know you will be too.

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Hobo International 'Lauren' Double Frame Clutch. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2859309?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=hobo+international&origin=searchresults

Look-a-Like: http://www.target.com/Merona-Double-Frame-Wallet-Ivory/dp/B002U1JB7U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&qid=1277076932&frombrowse=0&fromGsearch=true&node=1038576|1287991011&keywords=double_frame_clutch_wallet&searchSize=30&id=Merona%20Double%20Frame%20Wallet%20Ivory&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel,subjectbin,price,target_com_primary_color-bin,target_com_size-bin,target_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchRank=target104545&sr=1-1&searchPage=1&rh=

Well Polished

If you know me, you know I am a little obsessed with doing my nails. While I bite them and they aren't even that nice, I cannot handle not having them painted. Rarely do I go a whole 24 hours without nail polish on, and I love discovering new shades to add to my list of favorites. While polish colors change with the seasons, and my nail color changes every couple days, I am always searching for a perfect go-to light pink for everyday wear. Found in OPI's Spring/Summer 2010 Hong Kong collection, Panda-monium Pink is my most recent absolute fave! (And I love the name!)

This light, pastel pink nail laquer has a hint of lilac which gives it a soft, dusty look. It looks great on nails of all shapes, lengths, and sizes, and definitely goes with any outfit. My nails get the most compliments with this polish on, and although it is categorized as a "light pink," it is definitely unique! You will be sure to love it too.

Love,

Amanda

Featured: OPI Panda-monium Pink Nail Laquer. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035Y9VOY/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?ie=UTF8&cloe_id=00d39a73-7b5b-4d07-8133-758504ca5d6a&attrMsgId=LPWidget-A2&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0036UW6OE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0PDEVZQP73B48834Z8S3

Bargain-ista

If you're like me you love clothes and appreciate the finer things, but can't always afford them. As much as I would love to, shopping the contemporary designer department at Saks Fifth Avenue is unrealistic for adding pieces to my everyday wardrobe. While I am all for shopping at stores such as Target or Forever 21, I have to admit there is no greater thrill than finding a great designer piece for cheap (and I mean cheap in comparison to the regular price).

Many of you may be aware of invitation-only online boutiques that hold limited time events where one can purchase designer items at up to 80% off. Some good sites are Ideeli, Rue La La, Hautelook, and Beyond the Rack. I am a member of these, and the sales are really great. I once got a $410 Nicole Miller dress for $124! If that isn't a good deal, I don't know what is! I love getting my daily emails about the current sale events on these sites, and I think you would too. The invitation links are below if you're interested. Happy shopping!

Love,

Amanda

Featured:

BeyondtheRack.com: http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/B1B19803

Ideeli.com: www.ideeli.com/invite/loveamandaxo

RueLaLa.com: http://www.ruelala.com/invite/loveamandaxo

Toxic Beauty

Tonight I attended a demonstration party about cosmetics. It was about non-toxic cosmetics, so naturally I went with the notion that it would be a bunch of stuff comparable to Bare Minerals and related products. Basically, I went for the free food, and to get out for the night. Little did I know that I would leave with a whole different perspective on make-up and skin care. Not to be hypocritical (re: my previous post), but the harmful chemicals and ingredients of cosmetics is definitely something everyone should know about. I will not get technical, but you can read for yourself at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/. It is interesting to look up products you use daily to see how hazardous they actually are for you. Try it! You'd be surprised; I know I was!

The demonstration was about Ava Anderson Non-Toxic cosmetic products. Ava is a 16 year old high school student from Rhode Island who developed this company after doing a school project on the hazards of chemicals in cosmetic products. I was able to try some of the products at the demonstration, and they seem excellent. I ordered the toner, moisturizer, a lip gloss, and a lip scrub (after going with the intention of not spending any money!) You can read more about Ava Anderson Non-Toxic on the website. Definitely worth checking out. I think you'll agree. While I most likely won't be giving up my Lancome mascara anytime soon, I am going to better chose my beauty products going forward. Everything in moderation, right?

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Ava Anderson Non-Toxic http://www.zerotoxinsnow.com/

Bat an Eye

Everyone has a favorite make-up product that they rarely leave the house without applying. For me, it's mascara. A quick brush over the lashes and sleepy, boring looking eyes are automatically awakened and dramatized. It's the perfect fix to tired eyes from a late night, and so quick and easy to put on if you're rushing around in the morning. A simple way to enhance your natural beauty.

Being the mascara lover that I am, I have concluded that Lancome makes some of the best mascara. My personal favorite is Hypnose. It lengthens, created volume, and curls without clumping. It also doesn't run or end up smudging under your eyes. Although the price is slightly high compared to drug store prices, it's the one make-up product I wear religiously, so why not splurge a little, right?

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Lancome Hypnose Mascara. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=116214

Go Green, Look Fabulous

With the current state of our environment being what it is, what better way to accessorize than with handmade chic, up-cycled accessories made from recycled materials? Modern Shades of Grey features both handmade and vintage pieces that will be sure to dress up any outfit.

The super cute and trendy headbands are my favorite, but the earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are also adorable. You can find these reasonably priced, hand made items at Modern Shades of Grey's Etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/modernshadesofgrey

Love,

Amanda

Featured: "Cotton Candy Pink Rosette Headband. $12.00 http://www.etsy.com/listing/46549894/cotton-candy-pink-rosette-headband

Walk a Mile in These Shoes

I love a fun, colorful shoe, and this is definitely one of them! A great compliment to any summer wardrobe, this yellow patent pump would be great with a range of outfits. Paired with a great sun dress, or even jeans and a tee, they will add a little something extra to your outfit. The mid-heel and rounded toe makes them comfy and easy to wear in a variety of situations. I am obsessed with these shoes!

Love,

Amanda

Featured: Madden Girl. $39.95 at DSW.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/madden+girl+sursey+patent+pump?prodId=dsw12prod1520005

Why blog?

It's no secret that I love to shop and browse the latest trends, and I especially love sharing my finds with others! In my opinion, there's no better feeling than finding the perfect pair of shoes, a great deal on "the cutest dress," or even an interesting product. This blog will highlight things I come across that I want to share with others. Not necessarily things I buy myself (because let's be honest; I'm usually broke), but products, clothing, accessories, and other related items or trends that I think are interesting and worth sharing. I am no expert stylist, however I love giving my opinion when asked for fashion advice. Hopefully you all enjoy! And please don't hesitate to comment and share as well!

Love,

Amanda