I spoke about the trend of matching makeup to clothes, now matching nail polish to your shoes is also becoming popular. When I was in high school we changed our polish every night to match our outfits, but never a pedicure! Seems a little time consuming, but beautiful non the less.

Do you do this, I may start now … cause I’m really liking it!

Happy Saturday and I hope your days are more exciting than ever right now. I have a fun new contest next week, can’t wait to share it with you!

Thanks for reading and commenting….you guys are the best!  XoX

Bella

We all have those days when we get home from work and are rushing around with just minutes to create a fresh look. Here are my favorite products to spruce you up in just minutes!

Lorac TANtalizer 

SPF 15 is a mineral-based, baked formula that goes on silky-smooth for a bronzed glow that lasts. 

If used properly this you will get this gorgeous glow! DO NOT use as an overall bronzer, otherwise you’ll look like you dipped your face in glitter. {hmmm its that a bad thing?}  

DO apply to the smallest part of the top of your cheek bone slightly cascading the eye.  All I can say is AH-mazing!!!!  

Champagne Lip-gloss & Nail Polish

A new way to rock solid gold and champagne bubbles. This unique gift, a collaboration with Deborah Lippmann and Troy Surratt, contains flecks of gold glitter. The bubbly inspired lip gloss will give you a buzz, even though it’s alcohol-free.

Oh and could you DIE as to how cute this lip gloss champagne is?

 Sold anywhere Almay is sold. These are perfect for a QUICK makeup touchup. Especially around the eyes! Love, love love…..

Handwarmer & Nailpolish Set

The mani-goddess Deborah Lippman and Juicy Couture have teamed up to create the must-have gift of the season. Hot color,   hand-warmers, or as I like to call them {fingerless gloves}. A must for cold weather season. Throw on a pair of jeans, crisp white blouse and let your hands do the talking with these fabulous gloves.

How could one possible manage in this day of technology with your fingers all bundled up anyway?

Luxe Faux Fur Sweater Vest

Soft faux fur and a touch of cashmere add Nordic-inspired luxe to this extra fine merino wool blend vest. Shawl collar. Sleeveless. Faux fur front.

Crisp and classic, right? I’m so obsessed with this vest … it’s absolutely yummy. Adds just the right amount of GLAM to any outfit. Dress it up with your favorite jeans or get a more elegant look by pairing with head to toe white!

Well, what do you think of my FAVORITE FIVE products this week?

Happy shopping dolls and I hope you have a perfectly lovely weekend!

Bella

XoX

Holiday eyes gives you a moment to really express your inner DIVA. Watch this video as they transform Sydney’s eyes into a Winter Wonderland!

From Fergie to Kim Kardashian, it looks like stars can’t get enough of the top knot. And we’re not surprised: It’s a chic updo that takes virtually no time, and it’s the perfect solution for a bad-hair day. The Black Eyed Peas singer sported this ‘do with a fancy cocktail dress at an event in L.A. over the weekend, and Kim K. wore it with a strapless column gown to a gala in NYC last night. We’re especially loving Kim’s jumbo earrings—they balance out the hairstyle perfectly.

“To get the look, make sure your hair is completely smooth (mix some hairspray with shine serum for hold and sheen), pull it up into a high pony, twist the strands around and secure the knot with bobby pins.” says Cosmopolitan Magazine

What do you see beyond the top knot? The article was about the hair, but what I notice is the makeup! It’s not a secret I have a huge girl crush on Kim Kardashian, she is just beyond gorgeous! But, the makeup is what makes a difference here. Fergies looks OK, slightly dull and half completed.  Kim’s on the other hand is flawless. Could that be her secret? Great makeup artists?

I doubt it entirely can be contributed to that, they do have a great pallet to begin with. This past Spring I hired a makeup artist from Twitter – Tiffany @CoachGlitter and I can tell you the quality of a makeup artist can absolutely make a difference. Tiffany’s work was amazing and so was the transformation.

This is my daughter before and after makeup. (OK she’ll kill me if she see’s this first photo), but it does illustrate the wonders of a great makeup artist!

Bella

XoX

TOOLS

Silver metallic or glitter polish

Navy polish

10 reinforcement stickers

Clear top coat

STEPS

1. Start with clean, bare nails that have been filed.

2. Apply 1 to 2 coats of the silver polish (depending on the coverage of the polish). Be sure to paint your whole nail. If the color ends up showing through the navy polish it will just add a little sparkle, but it is important to have a smooth first layer. Let the polish dry for at least 30 minutes.  It is important your nails are dry before placing the reinforcement stickers on them or else the stickers will peel off the polish and you will have to start all over again. Oh no!

3. Once nails are completely dry, place a reinforcement sticker on each nail with the outside of the sticker mimicking the shape of the moon of your nail.  Cutting a slit in each sticker will allow the stickers lay more evenly on each nail. You can decide what size you would like the moons to be, but it is important that the size stay consistentacross all your nails for it to look right. Once they are all placed where you would like them, apply pressure to each making sure they are secure to your nail.

4.  Now paint the top half or your nail with 2 coats of navy blue polish. Let this coat dry for at least 10 mins.

5.  Once that’s dry, carefully pull the reinforcement stickers off of each nail.

6. Finish with a clear top coat.

Something fun to try this weelend! I love sharing with you the new trends I find. Would love to see your styles you create, send pics!

Have a beautiful weekend dolls!

Bella XoX

via the beauty department

Has your hair lost its sparkle?  Maximize your GLOSS effect with these techniques!

Mask it!

Mix several tablespoons of honey and olive oil. Then, apply this homemade mask to ends, working your way up to coat the entire head. Leave in for 20 minutes and rinse out with shampoo and conditioner. “It’s mother nature’s secret to shiny hair!”

Clarify it!

Over time, the accumulation of styling product can be a drag. It clings on like a needy boyfriend, weighing hair down and stripping its sparkle. To ditch the buildup, I recommends adding one tablespoon of baking soda to two tablespoons of your shampoo. The sodium bicarbonate will remove the stubborn, sticky residue.

Brush up!

You wouldn’t brush your teeth with sandpaper and the same should be said of your locks. “Upgrade to a natural boar bristle brush,” says Jill Guzzo, stylist at NYC’s Butterfly Studio Salon. Natural bristles evenly distribute the natural oils in hair and smooth the cuticle to create a polished finish.

Shine on!

Natural coral lipstick, topped with a light layer of gloss.”

Makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, brand ambassador for Laura Mercier, was inspired by the rock ‘n roll vibe of the 1980s when he created Claire Danes‘s eye-catching look at the 2011 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. But rather than giving the star a thick swipe of opaque lipstick, he opted for a more contemporary finish: Gel lip color in a sheer red orange.

Whether it be your hair or lips, both look better shining! Gloss always – thick heavy lips that look dry are just not kiss worthy!

Happy Monday Dolls

Bella

XoX

photos and ref: InStyle and MakeupdotCom

Imagine dancing the night away in these glamorous Louboutins. These show stopping heels would perfectly match almost any outfit.  My Friday wish list would include both of these, the Alice & Olivia dress below is dreamy and beyond perfection.

Alice & Olivia Dress

Valentino Heels

Another great week to live in Arizona. Mornings are resembling fall or at least OUR version of  fall. My favorite time of year! Coffee on the patio every morning watching the sun rise over the golf course is my new daily routine.

Hope you’ve had a lovely week and your weekend is even better!

Bella

XoX

pics via this is glamorous 

Incredibly stylish, fashion forward and simply styled in such an elegant way.  Alix Cherry never disappoints with her outfit posts!

The ASOS socks or over the knee nylons are my favorite part. Inspiration X ‘s three on this one.

Finally completed so much more of my decorating to do list, I’ve been crossing them off feverishly.  I’ll take more pics this weekend and share. Finishing up is the best part, ya know, when it all starts to come together. Right?

Hope everyone has had a great week so far, if not, well hell it’s Friday tomorrow, so it’s about to get better!

Bella XoX

Shoes : Asos

Tshirt : Asos

  Skirt : Zara

  Socks : Asos

  Bag : Mulberry

My number one choice from this year’s Marchesa  Spring 2012 is this magical dress.  Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig designs are what dreams are made of! The exquisite tulleing and details, albeit seen before, never disappoint.

I get lost in the designs. I can picture one of these gowns making it’s residence in the corner of my room on a lovely graceful stand, behind glass of course.

One day I hope to own my very own Marchesa gown and meet the fabulous Georgina Chapman!

These pictures are beyond gorgeous and I found them soothing and romantically inspiring. When softening up your decor or wardrobe a little strand of pearls, a peek of feathers or a beautiful bow goes a long way.

Just a little weekend eye candy to dream about.  Hope your’s is the BEST!

Bella

XoX

pics via Absolutely Ladylike 

I’ve been so crafty lately! Lamp shades, dining room table and chairs and now floral’s.

This simple and chic flower arrangement can be made so easily with just a little masking tape. Cut the stems short, and insert one or two flowers in each opening in the grid. Tuck fern clippings in last. And Voila beautiful!

I will post some of my own DIY projects I’ve been working on this weekend. If you love glamour and all things girly than you’re in luck!

Happy Wednesday Luvs!  XoX

Bella

Pics via deliciously organized 

Finally ordered these sunglasses, I’ve been dying to emulate this picture as my avatar for Twitter and Facebook!

I want to hang these everywhere, such a happy, colorful piece!

 Confetti systems http://www.confettisystem.com/

Honeydew Lime Popsicles, I live in Arizona, what can I say, it’s HOT here!

Honeydew Lime Popsicle Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 (3-4lb) ripe honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2/3 cup fresh lime juice

• 5 ounce Dixie cups
• 20-30 Popsicle sticks

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat water over medium/high heat, add sugar and continue stirring until completely dissolved. Let cool.

In a blender, add your melon, lime juice and syrup and blend until smooth. Carefully pour mixture into your 5 ounce Dixie cups, filling 2/3 of the way.

Place in the freezer for 30 minutes (set your timer), insert your wooden sticks, and continue to freeze until the popsicles are completely frozen, about 6 hours.

When you’re ready to enjoy, cut and tear the Dixie cups off of the popsicles and voila, enjoy! see image below

Makes about 20 popsicles

Have an AH-mazing weekend luvs!

Bella XoX

recipe via http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/

My perfect day would start off with my desk looking similar to this one!  Type A personalities must always have everything in it’s place. The clean lines of the white are so inspiring and lends itself to my taste.

The only thing I see missing are my favorite Swarovski pens and maybe a crystal paper weight.

Happy Tuesday Luvs

Bella

photos via we heart this

Victoria’s Secret is seriously one of my favorite places to shop online. Always the 80′s ROCKER Chic at heart, so I will never conform to the norm!

Edgy, sexy, and feminine are what I tend to lean towards. With that being said, ummm I am over 40, sooooo I have to be cognoscente of that when selecting outfits. And that is why I love VS. Not only can you find fun and flirty, but you can actually find garments with just enough cover-up to be appropriate!

The pants above are so comfortable to lounge in, and when I’m poolside it gives me a great option to wear with my bathing suit top. I paired it with the t-shirt {second pic}, to complete the flowy & billowy look.  It works!

What are your choices for summer wear, where is your favorite place to find lounging attire?

Hope your week was FAB-ulous!

Bella

After a long weekend, some of us take more time to get back into the routine of life. Lovely dinners, with champagne kisses close off this Memorial Day. And now it’s Tuesday, back to reality.

“Make new friends but keep the old ones; one is silver and the other’s gold”

Hope your Tuesday is FAB!

Bella