Shoe Dazzle - Now you can be trendy and savvy!

Don't you hate when you find a pair of fabulous shoes that you love, but you know you won't get a lot of use out of?  I always love the bright colored pumps or the sky high wedges, but I know that in my line of work (I wore steel toed shoes 75% of the time in my last job) that I won't have much use for them.  In the cafeteria I would always envy the sales reps who were able to wear there heels at work and look oh so fabulous as I meandered through the sandwich line in my tennis shoes or flats.  It just didn't seem fair!

When I go to the mall the only time I would splurge on a pair of shoes was if it was something classic and comfortable.  I have so many pairs of Cole Haan, Tory Burch, and Vera Wang ballet flats.  I always tend to go for neutrals or blacks and browns...a pair I know that I will get a lot of use on.  If I am going to spend money on a glittery flat or a fantastic heel it better be on sale and I better have an idea of something in my closet that I can wear it with.  I've just fallen into the "salesperson" trap too many times.  You know, when you have doubts but the salesperson convinces you that you can't live without that shoe?  Well, let me tell you...as pretty as it may look on my foot, it ends up in my closet many more times than on my feet.  And, when I finally decide to wear them, I want to get out of them the minute I'm back in the car or on the dance floor.  Seriously, it's hard to justify spending a lot of money on something I won't get a lot of use out of!

That's why I was really happy to find out about Shoe Dazzle.  It's an online club with shoes that are all $39.99/pair.  I initially was turned off to the membership fee - $39.99/month.  For this fee they promise to give you a monthly showroom filled with shoe styles that fit your style profile based off of a set of questions that you ask while signing up.  However, when I realized that the $39.99 is a credit that allows you to buy one pair of shoes a month and you can skip months or cancel at any time - I was ready to give it a try.

Since joining in September 2010, I've purchased 5 pairs of shoes - 2 pairs of heels and 3 pairs of flats.  The flats are a bit louder than styles that I would normally choose in store, but they go great with jeans and dress pants and for $39.99 I don't feel as guilty if I only wear them 1-2 times a month.  The heels that I purchased came in bold styles that I would normally never buy, but that I thought would be great for a night on the town.  If you're comfortable in heels, these are great for you.  However, if you're more of a flats/low heel girl or need something with more support I would not recommend the heels to you.  They are cute and have unique styles, but they are definitely not high quality and are very painful after only half an hour or so.

There are definitely periods when I am not impressed with my showroom and decide to skip a month or request more styles.  Even though it's only $39.99, if you there isn't something you want there is no use getting charged for the month.  However, if you forget to skip (this has to be done by the 6th of each month) your account is credited and you can use this amount towards future purchases.

I'm not going to lie to you, Shoe Dazzle isn't for everyone.  However, if you don't have a lot of difficulty with shoe sizing and you want something unique and flashy to spice up your shoe collection it is definitely worth looking into.  And with a celebrity spokesperson like Kim Kardashian and plenty of experienced fashion stylists contributing to new styles...it certainly provides plenty of options for almost any girl!  So the next time you are looking for something special to match that pink dress you've been dying to wear...check out Shoe Dazzle.  You'll look fabulous and you won't feel guilty when you don't wear them every day...and unlike some other inexpensive options like Payless and Target...not everyone on your block will have them!

 XOXO,

Allison

Avoid the winter dryness and get Kissable Lips Overnight!

One of the many downsides to living in Indiana is the weather - I hate how much the weather changes around here.  During the spring and fall my allergies are out of control, the summers are incredibly humid, and the winters are so dry that my skin feels abused!

As bad as it is when my hands and feet feel cracked, I really hate when my lips are dry and bleed at the smallest movements.  Last year I had enough and decided that I need to invest in something other than the drugstore lip balm.  So, I went to my go to skin care line (Philosophy) counter and explained what was going on.  Immediately, the salesperson recommended, "Kiss me Tonight" - an intense lip therapy that you apply before going to bed.

If I hadn't had so much confidence in Philosophy I probably would have been apprehensive to spend $20 on a small bottle of what appeared to be Vaseline.  However, because I had so much success with other products in their portfolio I decided to give it a try.  I was surprised at the immediate effects that took place once I woke up in the morning.  My lips actually didn't hurt and the visible appearance had improved vastly.  TheSaving...y were smooth and the color seemed rosier.  Like most products, I figured this was possibly just because of the newness of the product on my lips, but a year later and I still use this product every single night before I go to bed and I am officially no longer walking around embarrassed of how my lips look.  My husband of course likes it because I am more willing to give a kiss now that it's not painful!  

I know that winter is almost over...and some of you probably wish you had heard about this a few months ago, but seriously this is a treatment that should be used year round.  I've found that the more consistently that I use it the better the quality of my lips are...and the more willing I am to put on some flashy lipstick and hit the town!  

XOXO,

Allison

February Favorite - the Brian Atwood Maniac

For those of you ladies out there who think that the mile high heels aren't for you...I hope to change your mind by the end of this post.  Up for discussion is the Brian Atwood Maniac Pump, a February favorite that's classic style is sure to stick around for more than a season!

I have always been a heels girl...but as I've gotten older, I've realized how much damage a pair of poorly made heels can do to your body.  In fact, in the past few years I've steered away from these slimming beauties and have opted for more "ergonomic" styles like the ballet flat and the wedge.  Of course I still try to be fashionable while doing so, but nothing says sexy like a heel.  

Well, I thought it was a feat when I could walk in a 4" heel, but these days 6" is the new 4".  Heels are sky high almost as if it's a challenge to see who can wear the highest pair.  When I used to see women in them, I would think, "she must be going somewhere special" or "that is probably for pictures."  I couldn't imagine that the every day woman would want to risk permanent damage to her body by walking out in the season's latest trends.  

About a year ago, I realized that these heels were here to say, and I thought, why not?  Being a savvy shopper, I wanted to go for a classic style and some of the other brands like the famous red-soled Louboutins didn't seem to provide that edge as much as one heel - the Brian Atwood Maniac.  

As you can see, this is a versatile shoe - especially if you purchase it in black or nude.  However, there are also some more colorful options that make this shoe stand out even more.  Now I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that this shoe is as comfortable as that pair of flip flops you won't get rid of - ever.  But...they are more comfortable than many of the styles out there.  The reason?  The hidden platform trend.  The way of elongating the legs while still allowing you to walk without the appearance of intoxication.  After all, who wants to be the messy girl who can't walk in her heels!  Now for those of you who need the facts, here it is.  The heel is 4.75"...and the platform is 1.25"...therefore this compares to walking in a 3.5" heel.  

Depending on color and style this shoe can run you from $540 to $600 plus.  However, if you invest wisely this shoe will definitely not be getting dusty in your closet and you won't be regretting it months later.  It's a great shoe, that can be paired with jeans, a spring dress, or even a more formal look.  I love the style and get very excited when new colors come out.  The use of materials, colors, and detail work allows you to buy more than one maniac pump without someone asking you if you bought the shoe in every shade.  These are my two favorites - the Classic Patent Leather Pump in black and the Cotton Covered Manic with Eyelet Detail.  Both are great, and offer something different for your individual style.  

So ladies, I encourage you to give your wedges a rest and make room for a hot pair of heels!  They will make you feel amazing - and they add a little something to any ensemble!  

XOXO,

Allison

Ambre Glow - My Favorite Moisturizer with something extra!

Okay...so who of all of us has tried to use a shimmer lotion and didn't get the effect you were looking for?  Normally, my hands end up really shiny and the rest of my body leaves my clothes feeling and looking terrible.  It's a nightmare to clean, and it makes you look fake!  After all, most of us are looking for a natural glow...not to look like a Christmas tree!

Well, I think I finally found something worth trying - and it smells wonderful!  It's called Ambre Glow.

I came across Ambre Glow while I was getting ready for my wedding last year.  I was fortunate enough to land a make-up artist from Eyemax Cosmetics - a great cosmetics company and studio opened by Kiralee Hubbard in Indianapolis.  After doing my make-up (which looked fabulous - I highly recommend them!) the make-up artist handed me the Ambre Glow and said, "Try this.  It will give you a great glow and it will look awesome in pictures."  At first I was hesitant, not being very impressed with "illuminating lotions" in the past, but I was surprised about the effects.  I had an amazing, natural looking glow.  A few of my bridesmaids tried it and I was surprised that it looked great on any skin tone.  It doesn't matter if you are fair, tan, or have an olive skin tone...this moisturizer really brings out the best in all skin types and shades!  The best part?  It has an amazing smell - Ambre Essence which is also available in a oil/perfume.  

For $50, you get the container above...and a little bit goes a long way!  I've had mine for 6 months now and I still have over half left!  I don't use it every day, but I do use it any time I'm going out, or am looking for a glow.  I've been really impressed with the effects so far and think that it's a great way for a girl to enhance her beauty without looking fake!  Who doesn't want that amazing glow?  

So check it out!  It's hard to find a moisturizer I like...and now that I have one that gives a little something extra it's even better!  

XOXO,

Allison

Online Shopping...Not as scary as it used to be!

For those of you who know me well, you know that 2011 has had a bit of a bumpy start and I am back in the job market after 4 years with Eli Lilly - a great company but not a good fit for my background.  As a biomedical engineer, I was yearning to get back into the device world and not work for a pharmaceutical company that dabbled in devices.

Any who, as important as I have realized it is to go work for a company with a job that really interests you, I've also realized how important being near a pretty big city is to me.  I've grown up just 20 minutes outside of Indianapolis about 80% of my life.  Although Indianapolis is not what many consider to be a thriving metropolitan area, it has so many nice things - it's affordable, clean, and has some awesome shopping and places to eat.

Well, recently a few positions have emerged that I am very interested in...but I can't stop thinking about how scary it might be to move to a new area.  As exciting as it probably is for the first few months, I have a feeling that the newness will eventually wear off and I'll be bored...especially if I move some place without the proximity I need to all of my favorite malls!  My husband (who is more of a risk taker than I am) laughed at me when I wanted to justify where we would go based off a few stores: Sephora (my favorite beauty store), Nordstrom, J.Crew, Saks - these are just a few of my favorites things!  He couldn't believe that I was literally google mapping the location and searching nearby for these stores.  Had I really gotten attached to having these places at the touch of my fingertips?

As I grew more and more concerned about the thought of memorizing more mall directories my husband looked at me and said, "Allison, you do 60% of your shopping online anyways" - and for one of the first times in our marriage - he was right!  In fact, as time has gone on...I have been shopping online more and more.  For one thing, the selection is fantastic.  I find items online at Nordstrom.com that the two locations close to me sometimes don't have in stock.  And when I find a pant that I like at J.Crew, I peruse the site almost every few days to see when it goes on sale so I can justify picking it up in a few new shades.

Companies have almost made it impossible to resist online shopping.  Most online sites offer free shipping on all orders or when you spend a certain dollar amount.  And almost every site provides free return shipping.  The other great thing about online shopping?  It's the easiest way to compare prices on the same item.  For example, I fell in love with these pumps when I saw them at Nordstrom a few weeks ago.  However, after doing some research I found the same pair at Piperlime.com for 30% off!  Definitely worth the trouble!

Sure, there are some obvious risks with online shopping but sometimes there are better deals online.  For example, the days of Black Friday might be limited.  More and more people are staying home to prepare for Cyber Monday when they can get pick up amazing deals online.  Some stores are even exclusively online now or offer certain styles that are online only.  The saving grace of that?  If you want to exchange it in store most will let you!  I love shopping online when a store has a rewards program.  Many places offer double the points on certain days - online only!  When you get special gift certificates for these promotions, twice the amount of points adds up fast!  Hate the annoying site e-mails?  I do too, but as long as you keep up with your e-mail, you will come across some amazing deals that you might not catch in store.  Just the other day I found a cashmere sweater online at Neiman Marcus that was 70% off - a fabulous deal on a soft and classic sweater that I will get a lot of use out of!

So, what are you waiting for?  If you're one of those people that "has to see it up close" what's the risk?  With free return shipping, customer reviews to give you information on size and quality, as well as online chat services most companies are making their online sites so robust that you'll be able to shop in your pjs 24 hours a day.  No more long lines, no more trying to find a parking spot, no more getting ready!  In the comfort of your own home you can peruse whatever website you want.  Don't like it?  Take it back!  Just be careful about great bargains - some sites (like J.Crew and shopbop) offer final sale items...so be sure you're in love.  And if it's a great deal, try it out!  If you don't like it try to sell it on ebay or craigslist, or even pass it on to a friend or sister who would look fabulous in it!  It's good karma to share the love!

They always say that home is where the heart is, and now I've learned that shopping is where my computer is.  With just a click I am able to purchase the perfect pants for that interview coming up - and I'm able to watch the Purdue game with my husband.  Plus, who doesn't love getting mail?  I love the excitement of waiting for that new pair of jeans.  Everyone wins!

XOXO,

Allison

The Perfect Cream Eyeshadow - Finally!

Okay, where are my girls at who hate the creases that you get after wearing your eyeshadow all day?  For me, I have very small eyes, and I tend to squint a lot.  This has not been a good combination with eyeshadows...especially those that are cream based...until now.

One of the things that I have searched for time and time again at every make-up counter is a good base.  I want a way to make sure that my eyes look just as fabulous at the end of the day as they do at the start.  I'm an active person, and I don't have time to retouch my make-up even once a day, let alone two or three.  So when a make-up artists even suggests that to me, I'm not convinced.  I want to put it on once, and be done with it!

I stumbled upon the Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow at Sephora a few months ago.  Some of my friends have had lots of success with this line, and having tried a few of their products before...I figured that the product might be worth trying.  I purchased the product in the "birthday suit" shade thinking that it would serve as a good base.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner, $19

When I got it home and used it for the first time I was surprised with the consistency.  Just a very small amount goes a long way, and it had a silky texture.  After putting in on my eyes I was surprised at how easily it went on and how light it felt.  Other cream shadows I have tried have had to dry before any additional eyeshadow or liner could be applied.  However, this went on and was immediately ready for me to finish my look.  But I knew that the true test would be to look at it at the end of the day.  

At the end of the day, I was surprised to see how in tact my eye make-up was.  Even though the rest of my face needed a touch up, my eyes looked phenomenal - almost exactly the same as when I had applied it nearly 10 hours before.  It was amazing.  The best thing about this product?  It doubles as eyeliner!  Therefore, when you have a great angled brush (this one from Sephora is a great value) it applies easily as a great eyeliner that lasts all day!

Sephora Collection Professional Angled Eyeliner Brush, $14

I now own this eyeshadow/eyeliner in 6 shades.  I have a few of the darker shades (strut, tidal wave, and smoky denim) to use for eyeliner and a few of the lighter shades as a base (get figgy, birthday suit, and busy signal).  It is definitely worth the price and will last for quite a long time.  It also works with so many looks...one shade might serve as your daily eyeliner and be used as your date night look.  With it's versatility...it makes it a product worth investing in.

So come on ladies...not all eyeshadows are created equally - why not invest in one that has more than one function?  I've tried a lot of cream bases and this one is by far the best one.  Now all I need is for benefit to come out with some new shades so I can expand my collection!

XOXO,

Allison

My new favorite blog - and no it's not mine!

Last week I stumbled upon a new blog on accident and now I can't stay away from it - just ask my husband!  It's called Celebrity Fashion - The Celebrity Fashion and Style Guide (http://celebrityfashion.onsugar.com/) and let me tell you it has made my life easier!

It all happened when I got the latest issue of Cosmo in the mail the other day.  Have you seen it yet?  Excuse my language, but Damn!  Lea Michele is looking fabulous on the cover!  I especially loved the ring that she was wearing and was disappointed that the magazine didn't have any additional information besides the brand.  I started perusing online, and found Celebrity Fashion.  One of the aspects of the blog is Outfit Identifier - it breaks down the outfit by telling you who designed what and wear you can find it online.  For example, did you know that her sexy top is actually this Oscar de la Renta swimsuit?  I had no idea!

Obviously, as with most web searches, I got totally sidetracked and ended up being on the site for an hour!  I loved looking through the pictures of the celebrities and wear to find their looks - and it wasn't just magazine covers or award shows.  There were pictures of them out on the town in a great pair of skinny jeans and boots, or at lunch in an adorable dress.  Plus, with links to all of the items it made shopping online for that perfect new pair of heels so much easier!  And looking at their look gives you the opportunity of what (or what not) to pair the item with!

There are plenty of other sections that offer great advice!  Do you like the article in US weekly called "who wore it best?"?  Well - Celebrity Fashion put a spin on it called Celebrity versus Runway where you can see how the designer styled the look and how the celebrity (or stylist) did.  It's a great way to find new ideas and quickly see what's new in fashion!

So...when you've got some free time - check it out!  I love seeing how magazines, designers, celebrities, and fashionistas everywhere come up with new and innovative ways to put their best foot (or heels) forward!

XOXO,

Allison