Decadent Luxe*

Valentine Treats

Published February 5, 2010 Entertainment Leave a Comment

I have been neglecting everything lately due to being quite sick for the majority of January going into February. I’ve fallen a bit behind. But it seems as though the boyfriend has done a good job at nursing me back to health. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things now.

Especially since it’s almost Valentine’s Day! My second favorite day after Halloween. I just love everything to do with it. You don’t even need a significant other in order to enjoy this day. Although, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Once again, I’ve decided to mail out valentines and possibly make cupcakes. Sweet ideas.* For those who don’t have the time or skill that baking may require, there’s always the option of ready made sweets to buy. It’s always fun to share goodies with others whether it’s your valentine, friends, coworkers, family, or just anyone!

A bit more expensive than making something yourself, but definitely saves time/stress and probably looks better if you’re a beginner like me.

1. Godiva Valentine’s Day 6-Piece Truffle Gift Box - $15
2. Godiva Limited Edition 6-Piece Pink Vanilla Buttercream Cupcakes - $28
3. Krispy Kreme Valentine Doughnuts
4. Lindor 30-Piece Truffles Gift Box – $15
5. Lindor 11-Piece XO Classic Heart Box - $30
6. Lindor 30-Piece Truffles Velvet Heart Box – $25
7. Lindor 10-Piece Truffles Drawstring Heart Bag - $9
8. Lindor 15-Piece Truffles Flower Gift Box - $10

Oh, how I miss the days of Valentine’s Day parties at school. Just thinking about how much fun it was to decorate a shoe box to take in and wait for valentines to be dropped inside makes me happy.

Fred Flare Retro Valentines - $8

Frugal Finds

Published January 25, 2010 Miscellaneous 2 Comments

With today’s economy, we could all use a freebie or two…or twelve. Thanks to It’s All Free Online, it’s possible! It’s a website that lists all kinds of available free samples to sign up for, as well as coupons. I’ll share with you the particular ones I signed up for…

- 1 free sample of orange flavored Benefiber through Walmart
- 1 free 2 pack sample of Purex Complete 3-in-1 laundry sheets
- 1 free Betty Crocker booklet with $10 in coupons
- 1 free Atkins Quick Start Guide with 3 Atkins bars
- 1 free sample from Clorox Greenworks (I chose the Natural All-Purpose Cleaner.)
- 1 free sample of Clean Warm Cotton perfume (Become a Facebook fan and enter the code “CLEANtotalbeauty”.)
- 1 free sample from Kashi GOLEAN (I chose the Crunch Honey Almond Flax cereal).

Krispy Kreme is giving away 12 Valentine cards with each dozen doughnuts purchased, plus a coupon for 1 free doughnut valid through February 14th.

Emergen-C is offering free samples. My friends and I received our packs of 3 flavors (plus a $1 off coupon) a few days ago. I got pink lemonade, raspberry and lemon lime.

Join Alice’s Wonderland of savings and save time and money on everyday household essentials (plus free shipping)! For every person you get to sign up with your referral link, they will receive a $10 credit once they spend $50 on the site and you will earn 3% commission.

Sephora is currently giving away a 10 day supply of Bare Escentuals powder foundation with any purchase, your choice of 7 shades, brush included. Just enter the code “BEBARE” for original or “BEMATTE” for matte foundation at checkout.

Chill Out

Published January 24, 2010 Fashion Leave a Comment

1. Anthropologie Blooming Heat Pants -$48
2. Make + Model Cuff Drawstring Pants – $32
3. Insomniax Flannel Pants - $34
4. Asos Odille Satin Spot Long Pants - $50.99
5. Charlotte Russe Rose Pajama Pants - $16.99
6. Victoria’s Secret The Sleepover Flannel Pajama - $49.50 (current sale $29.99)
7. Forever21 Lace Print Boxy Shorts - $5.80
8. Forever21 Sheer Fun PJ Shorts - $4.80
9. Charlotte Russe Rose Boxer Shorts - $10.99
10. Victoria’s Secret Silk Ruffle Shorts – $29.50

Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for nice loungewear/sleepwear. It isn’t easy finding quality, style and comfort all in one piece. It’s usually one or the other. All too often, loungewear just isn’t that cute, doesn’t fit right at all or it feels like a burlap sack around your legs. Personally, I want something loungey that I can wear every day around my flat whilst engaging in some easy listening Trip-Hop/Acid Jazz/Downtempo music, reading good books/magazines, lighting candles, watching Sex & the City, etc. That calls for materials such as satin, silk, velour, stretch cotton and light linen. Lounge pants sizing often runs a little large, so going one size smaller than normal might be the best option in most cases. I’m petite, so it’s difficult getting the right leg width and height without looking like they swallow me whole. Victoria’s Secret’s yoga pants and Anthropologie’s lounge pants are some of the best. But if you don’t want to shell out $40+ for something so low key, Target has great choices. You’ll just need to pay more attention to the fabrics so you don’t end up with cardboard. I have to have the softest fabric imaginable that can handle the wash or I won’t be the least bit comfortable.

grey, blue/white

Just yesterday, I left Target with two adorable pairs for $9 each ($13 online). The look, feel and added pockets are very reminiscent of Victoria’s Secret and Anthropologie for a fraction of the cost.

I practically live in my Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch and Target loungewear. Now all I want to do is shower, use up all the lotion I have and slip into these.

Lipstick Lover

Published January 23, 2010 Beauty Leave a Comment

“Over the course of a lifetime, the average woman ingests 7lbs of lipstick.”

That statement almost makes me rethink wearing the stuff ever again. Keyword being “almost”. I don’t know one lady who can go one day without painting her lips with some sort of product. I, myself, lean more towards glosses than lipsticks. But it’s still ingested all the same. Not very appetizing or healthy, but I feel uncomfortably naked without anything on my lips (and without my BlackBerry/camera). So, opting for more natural and organic lip stains might be in our best interest. Although I adore my MAC, Givenchy & Victoria’s Secret glosses…Bare Escentuals and Korres are highly ranked in this particular area. I’m already a fan of other Bare Escentuals products, but need to give Korres a go. Pucker up!

Urban Decay + Alice in Wonderland

Published January 15, 2010 Beauty 1 Comment

Urban Decay has created a limited edition Alice in Wonderland palette of eye makeup called Book of Shadows. For $52, you get 16 eyeshadows, 2 eye pencils and a bottle of primer potion. The box opens like a pop-up childrens’ book and it contains a drawer that slides out to reveal the makeup. This is such a treat for us Alice fans. I love that each shadow is named after something related to the movie. Thank you, Tim Burton, for making Alice such a trend in the fashion/beauty world.

Buy Alice’s Book of Shadows here!

Start Fresh with Perricone MD

Published January 15, 2010 Beauty , Skin Care Leave a Comment

Perricone MD has begun their 28-Day Start Fresh Challenge. With an opening statement of “This revolutionary plan of action will empower you to firm your skin, tone your figure and improve your overall health!”, I’m intrigued already. A great way to begin the new year and start preparing for the warmer months when more skin is showcased for all to see. The challenge includes a daily menu of healthy alternatives to jump start your diet. Once you complete the first 14 days, repeat them a second time fulfilling the 4-week program. You can also sign up to receive 10% off Perricone supplements (Omega-3, Acai Berry, Skin & Body) for the entire month! I need to be brave and learn how to swallow large pills so I can finally start taking Omega-3. I’m looking forward to giving the Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer (that arrived today) a test run as a step toward healthier skin!

Become a fan of Perricone MD on Facebook in order to be eligible to win an all expense paid trip to New York or Perricone products!

Be My Valentine

Published January 14, 2010 Entertainment , Fashion Leave a Comment

We’re vastly approaching that day again, folks…

These would make for great gift ideas or just sweet unmentionables you get yourself (well, not only for you…) for the special occasion.

1. Victoria’s Secret Chiffon & Lace Babydoll – $38 (current sale $29 – more colors)
2. Victoria’s Secret Sheer Babydoll - $30 (more colors)
3. Victoria’s Secret Sheer Slip - $68 (current sale $47)
4. Victoria’s Secret Silk Slip - $58 (current sale $44)
5. Victoria’s Secret Tulle & Satin Babydoll - $58
6. Agent Provocateur Martha Demi Bra – $150 (current sale $60 – matching panties for $30/$40)
7. Trashy Lolita Set – bra $65, panties $80

Got a hot date or just a playmate? These dresses fit the bill.

1. Asos Shoulder Pad Lace Bodycon Dress – $64.59
2. Mango Lace Long Sleeve Dress - $49.29
3. Asos Jersey Skater Dress - $40.79
4. Asos Contrast Cup Mesh Dress – $76.49
5. Asos Cap Sleeve Seam Detail Dress - $50.99
6. Asos Twisted Slinky One Shoulder Dress - $64.59
7. Asos Sweetheart Neck Jersey Dress - $37.39
8. Lipsy Jewel Trim Bandeau Chiffon Babydoll Dress - $110.48
9. Asos Lace Neck Open Back Body Con Dress - $61.19
10. LuLu’s Letter of Love Dress - $68
11. Victoria’s Secret Silk Bandage Sweaterdress - $88 (current sale $79)
12. Victoria’s Secret Ruched Jersey Dress – $78 (current sale $69)
13. American Apparel Lace Trim Nylon Tricot 3/4 Sleeve Dress - $45
14. American Apparel Sweetheart Two-Toned Mini Dress – $46

Set the mood. Music complements this well. I compiled a dans le boudoir playlist on Grooveshark.

1. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Lavender Vanilla Massage Oil – $16 (This stuff smells so good and is so soothing/moisturizing.)
2. Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Play With Me Massage Oil – $15
3. Victoria’s Secret Tease for Two Kissable Massage Oil - $15
4. Booty Parlor Add Magic Lubricant – $10 (This has also made an interesting bachelorette party gift.)
5. Diptyque Roses Candle – $60
6. Slatkin & Co. Cinnamon & Clove Buds Candle - $20 (current sale $10 – favorite)
7. Tocca Florence Candle - $36
8. Lush Sex in the Shower Emotibomb - $4 (Trying soon.)

I believe that Valentine’s Day specifically calls for chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. Create more fun by making the strawberries together!

Planning an outing? Frolic to an art museum for an evening of artsy romance. As I’ve mentioned many times before, the boyfriend and I have made a habit out of attending Atlanta’s High Museum of Art for their annual Valentine’s Day event. It’s a night of art, music, dancing, champagne and other treats from 6-10pm. $40 per couple, $25 per person, free for members. For once, we get to use our membership on this particular event. Another option would be to find a movie theatre that only shows old or indie films. Fun for a date, with friends or flying solo. Weather permitting, you could spend the day riding a vintage bicycle around to bookstores, coffee shops and bakeries. Perhaps a picnic in the park or just settle down at a quaint little cafe?

If all else fails, you can stay in and have some hot cocoa while reading a copy of Lolita.

Flavia de Oliveira by Fabio Bartelt

Published January 12, 2010 Fashion 1 Comment

Leaving on a jet plane…

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Versace Spring 2010

Published January 12, 2010 Fashion Leave a Comment

Georgia May Jagger, Mick Jagger’s daughter, is replacing Gisele Bundchen as the new face of Versace. Inspiration for this collection was drawn from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Alice certainly makes quite a muse. I would like to see more of her in the fashion world.

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Rodarte x Target

Published January 9, 2010 Fashion Leave a Comment

So, I previously brought up the glorious fact that Target had launched their Rodarte line for outrageously affordable prices. Yes, yes. We’re all well aware by now. But after the holiday mess, traveling around with the boyfriend and recovering from a briefly mild illness upon returning home, I can finally sit down (and breathe again) and share with you my Rodarte purchase from like a month ago. I really didn’t have any idea as to which item I was possibly going after, so I just thought I would browse around. After an unsuccessful glance at the lovely dresses that were no longer in my size, I almost gave up. That is, until I spotted a romantic little navy blue floral lace top peaking out from behind the picked over racks. Immediately, I knew that we were meant for each other. Especially since it was just one of two remaining and only one was my size. So, I snatched it up. And for only $17! Since it’s transparent, I can wear it many different ways with layers under or over it. I’ve worn it twice already with skinny jeans, boots a plain pink tank top to tone it down and a black sequin tank top to dress it up a bit more. I adore the longer sleeves, scoop neckline and the extra lace trimming.

NYE ‘09 in Cleveland