Rihanna: Fashion Queen 2011

Rihanna has had quite the year professionally. She is also quite the fashion chameleon. She is my pick for Fashion Queen of 2011. Sporting bright red locks for most of the year, she recently went back to brown and is spending her holiday in Barbados. Let's take a look back at some of my favorite outfits.

Trend: Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are super trendy. I bought two new pairs this year that I am in love with. They can really frame the face and add a whole new dimension to any outfit. Stars love this trend too whether they are prescription or not. There are so many different styles and frames to choose from. Personally, I like a thicker, bold frame. Take a style risk this year and grab yourself a pair of lenses.

Megan Fox

Eva Longoria

Alicia Keys

Glasses don't have to break the bank either. Cheap eyeglasses can be found! I have discovered a great affordable site for my readers to use to find the perfect pair of discounted glasses. GlassesUSA offers high quality frames and lenses and a 110% lowest price guarantee, 100% satisfaction guarantee along with a generous refer-a-friend program. Additionally, you can stay up-to-date on all GlassesUSA.com happenings through their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/glassesusa) and Twitter feed (@GlassesUSA).

New Year Sale:
Take 55% off any pair of glasses! Code: Best2011 (Basic single vision lenses included and upgrades are available for an additional cost.) 
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

Barbie Basics

One of the most fun presents I got this year was a Barbie Basic. They are model-esque Barbie dolls and look more like real girls with various hair styles and black clothing options. My mother bought me the one with my exact haircut. It is pretty hilarious. They make cute little gifts.

Beauty and Fashion Tips for Winter

Winter is here once again and do you know what that means? It'll be hell for our skin, hair, figure and style. The constant juggling between the cold dry air outside and heat inside our homes and using the wrong products will surely wreak havoc on the skin we maintained for the whole year.The cold winds outside will blow away our hair into a beaten wirey mess.  Attending weekly (or even daily) parties and munching on sugary and fatty holiday foods will lead to unwanted pounds. And of course, the drab winter clothes and limited wardrobe will definitely cramp our personal fashion style. But don't fret because of you take note of the following, none of these problems would really matter:

Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize

Since the dreaded cold air outside leads to our skin being dry, it is best to regularly treat your skin with moisturizers, especially lotions and creams. You can use some body lotion before leaving the shower. As long as you moisturize yourself before leaving the house, you can rest assure that your skin will be safe. Switching to a heavier cream will also guarantee your skin's protection. Look for lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) as they will really help you in preventing having dry skin. As for facial cleansers, go for the creamy ones like Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream. If you follow these, you won't definitely need a facelift when you're older and you want to rejuvenate your skin which you mistreated when you were younger.

Hair Care

Everytime we go out on the street, the harsh winter wind will blow away our hair. This is due to negative ions seaping into our hair resulting in individual strands repelling each other. In order to combat this, always use a mild shampoo and conditioner to wash away the negative ions. Wearing a fashionable bonnet or headwear will also help so your hair wouldn't look like you've just seen a yet.

Have a Bite

It can't be helped that everyone wants to celebrate the holidays with us because we're fabulous. December for a lot of us means hanging out with friends, officemates and of course, family. That also means that all of these events will have seemingly infinite amounts of food and maybe booze. You don't need a product here, just good old fashioned self-discipline. I mean, come on. You know what that Christmas ham tastes like as you've been having that for years. A little bite is enough to satisfy your taste buds.  With all the different side dishes and treats surrounding you, a little taste of each would be enough. As for alcohol, be sure to go drink the ones with the least carbs and alcohol content so you won't feel bloated. And a glass or two may be enough since getting wasted isn't the main objective of get togethers, it's the stories we share with our loved ones and feeling good is all that matter. So, a little self-control would suffice and if you don't have one, well better start practicing now or you'll be sorry the day you'll get a lipo to get rid of the fat you stored throughout all those Christmas parties...

Smashin' Fashion

When it's winter-time, the characters on TV would usually wear drab clothes and coats. They also come in three boring colors; gray, white, and black. It doesn't have to be like this for us girls. We can still be stylish despite wearing layer upon layer of clothes. This is even a great opporunity to dress up once we realize that we have more clothing options. Just look into your wardrobe (or even your parents and siblings) and look for different coats and even leather jackets. Mix and match according to your own sense of style. You can wear those boots you haven't worn the whole year. Even the old Christmas sweaters your granny has been giving you every year can still have purpose (unless they're really hideous). And most importantly, accessorize! Go put on some bracelets, earrings and sunglasses to complete your look. Now go out there and show that cold winter wind that us ladies can fight back and still look ridiculously fab!

Leather, Leopard, and Shearling

Just in time for Winter, my new shearling coat arrived. On this particular day, I paired it with my Forever 21 leopard flats and my trusty leather, GAP satchel. This bag has been going with me everywhere this season.  It fits everything I need to fight this crazy weather. 

Sally Hansen Effects Nail Polish Strips

I am a big fan of Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips. Let me tell you that they really work! The brand just came out with many more options in various patterns and colors like this one called Brattlesnake. It is a reptile version and very unique which is why I chose it. Lasting for about five days if you are not doing heavy housework, they are sure to get your nails noticed. Find them at any drugstore. I found these at CVS for $9.99. Instructions are included and it takes about ten minutes. The best part; no drying time.

The Dog-e-Lite Leash

As you know, I have two dogs, Scout and Lulu. Both are Boston Terriers. I was recently sent this amazing leash called Dog-e-Lite is from Patento Pet USA so I decided to post a few pictures of my furry friends.  The leash is available at http://www.patentopetusa.com/ and is perfect for walking your dogs at night with a built in flash light attached on. It shines directly in the direction your dog is walking and makes clean-up a snap! It is the perfect Christmas gift for any dog lover!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide

DKNY Cashmere Pop Top Texting Gloves 

($75)

Perfect for the girl on the go, these cashmere gloves will keep you warm. They come in a variety of colors and the small button adds extra charm.

SlowDance Skirt

($88)

The name of this skirt suits it perfectly. It is flowy and feminine; perfect for the holidays!

Little Letters by Alex Woo

($158)

Perfect for wearing your loved one's initial or your own, this is such a cute initial and the best one out there (in my opinion).

ZARA Party Peep Toe Shoes

The ultimate shoe for New Year's Eve or any night out, it adds spark and edge to any outfit.

Vintage Polaroid Camera 

($180)

With all the technology out there now, it is nice to go back to the past and actually hold a picture. Why not give this Polaroid to someone special and make the memories last?

Balloon White Wine Glass

($16)

For the wine drinker who loves pretty things, this glass comes all the way from Poland. It is a special treat to look at in the cupboard.

Ether-Press Tweet Book

($21)

For the tweeter who loves to express themselves. This book collects as many tweets as possible from the past year so that they can go back and see what they were up to. It is sentimental and makes a great, personalized gift.

The Perfect LBD from TED BAKER 

What girl does not need the perfect little black dress? This Ted Baker stunner has all the elements with the sweetheart neckline and detailed straps.

Tree Love

I love this time of year when your house becomes a Christmas spectacle. I especially love collecting mini Christmas trees. There is something about them that make the house sparkle. My collection is growing and I wanted to share. This year we decided to go with a smaller version of a tree and it is really cute. Below are the trees I have been collecting throughout the years. Enjoy!

South End Holiday Night Out

Be sure to especially stop by M.Flynn Accessories, my favorite jewelers on the block! They have an amazing selection of bracelets, rings, trinkets, and even a new Holiday collection out. It is destined to be a fun night!!!! Stop by and say hello.

Snake Craze

Snake jewelry has been all the rage for awhile now and it is hotter than ever this season. Seen on celebrities and trendsetters everywhere, I have decided to share a few of my favorite pieces just in time for the holiday season. 

Alex and Ani has created this brilliant Snake Coil Bangle which I adore. It states that snakes are symbol of regeneration, rebirth, and healing powers. "Adorned with a coiled metal snake, this bangle is available in Russian Gold and Russian Silver. Designed to wear alone, or to layer for a customized look, Alex and Ani's patented Expandable Wire Bangle is the most innovative concept in jewelry, allowing the wearer, with the slide of a hand, to adjust the bangle for a perfect fit". ($48)

This beautiful Kenneth Jay Lane necklace features a wrap snake pendant with inset glass stone detailing, a silver-tone snake chain and a lobster clasp fastening. It is perfect for that New Year's Eve dress! ($54.50) 

My favorite is this beautiful adjustable sybarite snake ring all the way from Spain. With it's charming beaded red and green detail and gold coiling, this will make any hand get noticed. It is so unique and charming. I own one and never take it off!!! It also comes with blue or red eyes as well. Your choice!!! Wear on any finger and all the time for that extra sparkle! ($18)

BeautyMint

Need a new skin care regime? Look no further. Launched on October 31st, Jessica Simpson brings you BeautyMint; her personalized skin care line. She teamed up with Celebrity skin care expert Nerida Joy to create a personalized, monthly skin care system that will feature exclusive beauty products. BeautyMint members will take Nerida's online Skin Care Consultation to identify their skin type and concerns so BeautyMint can personalize the right system to  each member's needs. The line will feature products ranging from an Ultra Replenishing Serum to an Ultimate Eye Treatment --  each formula inviting you to experience luxuriously effective skin care.

I have been using these products and let me tell you they are amazing! I love how personal this line is and I am getting exactly what my skin needs. Go ahead and take your own test to get great, glowing skin!

Join Me and Timberland!

Women Learn to Take On New England Winter Adventures in Styleat "Sundance Film Festival Style Night Out" Event

STRATHAM, N.H., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As a brand deeply rooted in the New England outdoors, and the Official Footwear and Outerwear Sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival for the past four years, Timberland knows how to keep women looking great – even in frigid temperatures.  The Timberland^® Fall 2011 collection delivers the trend-right styling and outdoor-proven protection women across the country have been looking for and, this month, Boston women can receive an up-close look at the newest looks during an evening of fashion, music, food and much-needed time with friends.  

The Timberland "Sundance Film Festival Style Night Out" event series pairs fashion-forward winter boots from Timberland with tips from industry style experts, all wrapped into the perfect girls night out.  On Wednesday, November 2, the Timberland^® retail store on Newbury Street in Boston will host the free event, treating guests to one-on-one consultations with stylist Sarah McManus, great music from DJ Lora and more.  As an added bonus, the first 100 women who purchase Timberland^® boots or accessories at the event will receive a special gift from Timberland to help keep them stylish and warm throughout the season.  This celebration of winter style marks the final event in the Timberland Sundance Film Festival Style Night Out series.  Earlier this month Timberland hosted events at retail stores in New York and San Francisco.  Each event featured local entertainment, local style experts, professional photographers and winter-themed cocktails provided by Svedka Vodka.  

"These Style Night Out events are a fun way for women to get together with friends and experience a taste of the Sundance Film Festival in their own backyards," said Maile Buker, senior director of North America marketing, Timberland. "With cold and snowy weather a hallmark of the Sundance Film Festival, women often sacrifice style for warmth.  Or vice versa.  After checking out the new winter collection from Timberland, women will be ready to take on the elements with confidence, knowing they'll look great and be protected all season long."

Tapped as a "style expert" by local Boston television stations, with experience as an assistant fashion editor at one of the city's most prominent magazines, stylist Sarah McManus has mastered the art of looking trendy and stylish in the harshest of New England weather conditions – and she'll share her expertise with women at the Timberland Style Night Out event in Boston.  Guests will have access to style consultations with McManus and create head-to-toe looks to suit their personality and lifestyle using Timberland^® boots, accessories and apparel.  Professional photographers will capture each guest's customized look against a wintry backdrop reminiscent of Utah, home of the Sundance Film Festival.

Women attending the event are encouraged to enter the Timberland Sundance Film Festival "Girlfriend Getaway" Sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for four to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City.  The Grand Prize includes luxurious hotel accommodations at The Chateaux at Silver Lake in Deer Valley, tickets to film screenings, Deer Valley^® Resort ski passes complete with rental equipment, a personal outdoor photo shoot, and Timberland^® footwear, apparel and accessories to keep them stylish, warm and comfortable.  To enter the Sweepstakes, Timberland Style Night Out guests can simply upload their photo taken at the event to the Timberland Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Timberland (Photo Contest tab) along with a caption about their outdoor style.  Women who miss the event are also encouraged to enter, by uploading an image that captures a moment they enjoyed in the outdoors.  Fans will help narrow the submissions before the Grand Prize winner is chosen by Timberland in mid-November.  The top ten winners, by popular vote, will receive Timberland^®boots, and all winners will be featured in the photo gallery on Facebook.

Through a partnership with Lucky magazine, guests attending Timberland Style Night Out events will leave with their own copy of the Lucky and Timberland "A Stylish Season" trend booklet, featuring Lucky's top picks for various outdoor occasions, along with a QR code linking to Quick Click Custom Videos all about style.  Street teams will share the information with locals who can't make it to the event, and Lucky will distribute a digital version via their social and promotional media channels.  

The Timberland^® store in Boston is located at 201 Newbury Street, (617) 247-1478. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m.   For more information about the Boston event, as well as several events being hosted at Nordstrom locations, visitwww.facebook.com/Timberland (Women's tab).

Deny Designs Bedroom Makeover

When you want a serene setting, a little room revamp can make all the difference. Add a new duvet comforter like this one above from Deny Designs and a few added touches like below. It's amazing what a few things can do! Paint your room in a serene color like I have, in Sea-foam Green or anything that calms your soul. Surround yourself with the things you love in an organized,creative fashion and wallah, the room of your dreams; literally.

This unique duvet comes from Deny Designs and they have plenty to choose from. This one is from Khristian A Howell and is called the Nolita Chevrons. (Queen, $159)

Hang something that means a lot to you like this vintage dress that belonged to my Nona.

Perfume bottles are always beautiful in any capacity.