To get this look, you’re going to need a sheer, milky white polish; 3-4 complementary nail colors (we chose purple, hot pink, fuchsia, and baby blue); nail decals; polish remover, and a disposable eyeliner brush.

Fleury says it’s going to be easiest to unscrew all of the tops of your bottles before you begin this one — it takes a long time to dry and you’re more apt to smudge if you have to futz around too much. Start off by painting all of your nails with the creamy white polish (Fleury likes Color Club’s Bonjour Girl shade). “It helps to have a lighter base with these bright designs so that the colors pop more,” says Fleury. After this, you’re going to want to do one nail at a time, as you need the polishes to be semi-wet.

Starting at the base of the nail, paint a thick strip of color diagonally across the nail. Do this with all the colors, until you reach the tip of the nail. It’s okay if you overlap, since you are going to blend them anyways. Fleury recommends mixing up the order of the colors for each nail to give this look a more authentic feel.

While the polish is still wet, dip your eyeliner brush in some nail polish remover (it should be wet, not soaking) and, starting at the base of the nail, gently drag it up vertically through the colors. Do this in four separate lines, all the way across the nail. Repeat this on each nail, then wait for it to dry.

Apply a thick top coat to the nail, then grab an orangewood stick and tap it against the brush of the top coat to get a dab of it on the stick. Use that dab to pick up a star decal and place it on the nail, pressing it into the still-wet top coat on your nail. Repeat with a few different sizes of stars, or add some crystals if you’re feeling really fancy. Added bonus: The decals are really great at covering up any mistakes. Wait for it to dry, then apply another layer of top coat to the whole nail to hold it all together.

Hello everyone! Is this a happy mani or what? Perfect for Spring.

In other news, my weight loss update. I soooo went off the wagon this weekend. OMG so frustrating! Back on today with a delicious Lean Cuisine … kinda bleh, but two bike rides later I should be good.  : )  { Down 15lbs in 23 days} yay, yay….

Happy Monday dolls…

Bella XoX

pics and article via Refinery 29

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

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

Inspiring photos from the streets of Paris. I definitely notice a difference, don’t you? And ummm, never seen a male look so CHIC in the USA! He’s divine… : )

I had the best weekend, shopping, dinners and lot’s of relaxation. I’ll post my hauls tomorrow , so many cute things, can’t wait to share!

How was your weekend?  Hoping FABULOUS!

Bella

XoX

pics via EasyFashion

Dainty pink cookies sandwiched together with a silky ganache look as if they belong on a restaurant’s petits fours plate.

Enjoy this recipe below, it’s soooo amazing and delish!!!!

 Hope you had a relaxing weekend!

Bella XoX

RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE FRENCH MACAROONS

For macaroons

• 6 oz sliced blanched almonds (not slivered; 2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Red or pink food coloring

For chocolate raspberry ganache

• 3 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (60 to 64% cacao), finely chopped
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1/16 teaspoon raspberry extract (preferably McCormick brand)

• Special equipment: parchment paper; a gallon-size sealable plastic bag (not pleated)

Make macaroons:

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Pulse almonds with 1/2 cup confectioners sugar in a food processor until very finely ground, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl. Sift in remaining cup confectioners sugar, stirring to combine.

Beat egg whites with salt in another bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until they just hold soft peaks. Add granulated sugar, a little at a time, beating, then increase speed to high and continue to beat until whites just hold stiff, glossy peaks. Add drops of food coloring to reach desired shade and mix at low speed until evenly combined. Stir almond mixture into meringue with a rubber spatula until completely incorporated. (Meringue will deflate.)

Spoon batter into bag, pressing out excess air, and snip off 1 corner of plastic bag to create a 1/4-inch opening. Twist bag firmly just above batter, then pipe peaked mounds of batter (the size of a chocolate kiss) onto lined sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart. Let cookies stand, uncovered, at room temperature until tops are no longer sticky and a light crust forms, 20 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 300°F.

Bake cookies, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until crisp and edges are just slightly darker, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely on sheets on racks, about 30 minutes.

Make ganache while macaroons bake:
Melt chocolate with cream in a metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water or in top of a double boiler, stirring until smooth. (Bowl should not touch water.) Remove bowl from heat, then add butter and raspberry extract, stirring until butter is melted. Let stand at room temperature until cooled completely and slightly thickened.

Assemble cookies:
Carefully peel cookies from parchment (they will be fragile). Sandwich a thin layer of ganache (about 1/2 teaspoon) between flat sides of cookies.

I’ve now moved on to my bedroom from my other little side projects and yesterday I decided to tackle my jewelry. I found this wrought iron rack that USED to be brown, in my garage and decided to give it a fresh coat of paint. Voila …  makes a perfect place to store some of my necklaces!

These are the ones I wear most often, if I put all of them out I would need about 20 of these.  lol

Pics below are what I use to store some of my favorite bracelets and rings.

Hope you’re having a happy Labor Day weekend!

Bella

XoX

I’m not crazy, I know it’s Summer! But I came upon this fabulous coat, so flirty and feminine. Deliciously pink and how elegant would the pairing of these heels below be?

ALWAYS follow your dreams.

Bella XoX

source http://www.senseofashion.com/ and I heart it

A little pink and orange inspirations for your Wednesday. I have been a long time fan of these Brian Atwood pumps. While saving up to purchase them I came across this Alexander McQueen Wool Crepe dress. Wow is all I can say, color blocking at it’s finest!

But before you crush your budget, maybe save up for the heels, and find an amazing look alike for the dress! That’s what I am going to do.

Looking forward to restarting my DIY dining room project again tonight. Last night’s progress, I completed over half the table!

Hope you had a lovely Wednesday?

Bella xx

With my obsession of everything glitz and glamour, I could not have dream’t of more beautiful gowns. The sparkle factor and the billowy designs are just fabulous. These really are dresses that dreams are made of!

I started my dining room table last night, I am about 1/2 completed. What an undertaking for sure, but so much fun! I’ve already used over 1700 crystals. I did tweet a pic yesterday from my Blackberry, just in case you want a glimpse.  : )  Starting the dining room chairs this weekend, remember the one I posted two days ago with the feathers on the back.

Some of my family think I’m a little strange when I tell them what I’m doing. I just have to laugh and think to myself – “did we just meet?”

Happy Tuesday Luvs

Bella

Slightly more alive today and thanks to some of my favorite things. Flowers, always …. Miu Miu handbag, adore …. Pink cupcakes, my weakness and PINK shoes, well, no explanation needed! Right?

Whenever your spirits need lifted, just gazed and dream about your favorite things. Imagine yourself in them, wearing them, feeling them, it always works for me.

Happy Wednesday Luvs

Bella

pics via citifiedblogspot, and flicker

My two favorite purchases this week happen to be from my favorite haunt, White House Black Market.  This tier sweater was just so soft and feminine, and with the draping, it made a statement. SOLD … The wedges were a natural go to, and the shorts have just enough length to sit with comfort.



I also ordered this Maxi Skirt, it’s perfect for Arizona weather. A white silk top, paired with my wedges above and I’ll have another one of my favorite color schemes to wear, white and tan. Adore the crisp and clean lines of the two,  pop on my lavender Minkoff bag, and I’ll be set for the day!

Bella

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

Glamour makeup is easily achieved by following Kandee Johnsons (Makeup Artist) video. This look is one of my favorites, and for a night when you really want to look your best, you must give it a try!

The basis for this look is in the eyes. The cat like eyeliner which dramatizes and the lips which pout. Kandee really goes into detail on this video and teaches us the techniques she has learned. Even when doing my daily makeup I’ll remember a trick here or there and apply it.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Happy Monday Luvs

Bella

Aren’t we lucky to be women, with everything so beautiful around us, to inspire us.   I sometimes have thought men have it made, jump in the shower, comb hair, out the door, all the while I’m still preparing for my shower!

But, then I would miss my makeup, my vanity with all it’s glamour, my wardrobe, {men have clothes, we have wardrobes}, the silly, yet fun preparations we make everyday to make our world fabulous.

Cheers to us ladies … for being your magical self!  XoX

Bella

pics via { troyjenson, citifiedblogspot, flicker

Obviously we can’t wear our Makeup like the models above, unless were ready to sashay down the runway, but I love looking at the total glamour of Makeup!  Today I’m hitting up my favorite store, Sephora, in which I could literally spend hours in.  I’m out of so much product, so before I go I always go to their website, get a piece of paper and pen, and start my list.

I thought I would share with you, some of my picks for today!

I just love the new HD makeup, absolutely made for total High Definition!  How many of you thought “OMG, I bet the actors and actresses are hating this new format” .  With the pressure to stay youthful in Hollywood, then HD TV comes along…Yikes….

Well, it was bound to happen, a  perfect makeup to compensate.  And yes I love it, it’s my favorite foundation.  While getting ready yesterday, I had to use a Q Tip to get to the bottom of the jar! Have you ever notice that the pumps in any product always leave about an inch of the product at the bottom!  How do you get to yours?  Me, so funny, I often start mutilating the container to get to the bottom!  So hence the reason I have a Date today with Sephora………..

My shopping list today……

HD Microperfecting Primer $32
Foundation Fix-It
This oil-free primer nourishes and softens the skin for a glowing effect that shows from beneath your foundation. It also creates a protective layer on the skin allowing foundation to glide on easily and last longer. Comes in six color-correcting shades.

HD Invisible Cover Foundation $40
No Hard Edges
You’ll be amazed at the flawless finish this truly amazing foundation leaves behind. This oil-free, medium-to-full-coverage formula creates a soft-focus effect that softens lines and blurrs imperfections. Available in 25 shades to match all skintones.

Makeup For Ever has so many great products but these two above are the only ones I use for my face.  I prefer Lancome’s face powder for a perfect finish!

Now for the EYES!  My favorite part!

I’m sure by now, you know I am going to the Bon Jovi Concert on Wednesday Night!  Below is the look I’m going for, with a little more black smudged in.  Going to a Rock Concert, gives me the opportunity to Rock The Look that night, makeup and all!

On Model: Eyeshadows #92, #303, and #75

Eyeshadow, $19 Diamond Shadow, $20 Powder Blush, $19

Now for the Lips… With Dramatic Eyes … Means Simple Lips!  Nars all the way baby……..

This shade is perfect for every skin tone and any occasion; it lasts for hours! Lipstick in Belle de Jour, NARS, $24;

As seen here on Kim Kardashian