April 27, 2013

What a treat — a make-under* and cupcakes — what girl doesn’t love that? bareMinerals is in town kicking off their #GOBARE tour. They’ll be trucking (literally) across the U.S. with their pop-up boutique for those of you in or near New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco you should check it out (click here for details in each city). With multiple events in each city you will definitely have the opportunity to make it to one of them. They are here in D.C. until May 12th, so you haven’t missed them if you live in this area! I snapped some photos at the launch event in Georgetown this week. If you go and get a complimentary foundation fitting, personalized application tips and deluxe samples. Did you know they have the best selling foundation in the world!?! The world. Entire world.

Me and Quinta Gaines, Global Public Relations Manager of bareMinerals, post my make-under. I must admit that I’m just now starting to get really into makeup. I’ve always read fashion, design, business, and interior blogs, but recently I’ve become a little obsessed with beauty, health and fitness blogs (and magazines). And in this world of cameras everywhere all the time, you can’t just go around sans makeup to events because there will inevitably be photos (which I typically try to avoid). In effort to get outside of my boring makeup box I’ve been learning and practicing some makeup techniques (simple things you probably already know) that I have just never taken the time to learn. If you only knew how I put eyeshadow on… And I can honestly say I used to rarely buy makeup. I knew the things that worked for me, and I would only buy those things when I needed them (mainly just concealer and mascara) and never try out new products. Now it’s a different story! I’m want to try everything! Previously I would have passed on anyone doing my makeup, but now I’m open to it and am probably annoying because I ask a ton of questions. I’m a beauty sponge right now.

Not a detail was spared. bareMinerals has partnered up with Jonathan Adler in more ways than one, not only is there a fun collaboration having to do with makeup, but of course you will notice some JA pieces on the #GOBARE tour — I could spot that banana a mile away. To tide you over until dinner there were mini cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake and bowls of pink gumballs. Continue reading…
April 22, 2013

Cupcakes and makeup? Sign me up! To kick off the bareMinerals #GOBARE tour to six cities around the U.S. they are having a launch party tomorrow evening at Georgetown Cupcake (3301 M Street NW) from 3pm to 7pm! I’ll be there from 5 to 7, stop by, say hi, grab a cupcake!
Get all the dates and details for each event they are have in the six cities — Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco here. Continue reading…
April 13, 2013

Last night I hosted a fun reopening event at the ALDO in Pentagon City. They went all out hiring a DJ, photographer, 15% off all weekend (so if you’re needing shoes head on over!) and having lots of snacks (I may have had a few Apple O’s). The new store at Fashion Centre is so nice. It’s remodeled with a fresh new look. It feels like you are in fancy shoe boutique — and they’ve got the shoes to back it up. This location has shoes that you actually can’t get in the other stores, like the new collaboration collection called RISE where they work with designers, currently Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, to develop a special collection. I think I tried on every pair from that collection. These are my faves — the BUITO, the PRAVDA, the MUSILOVA (in both colors), okay so basically all of them. I ended up taking home these beauties — the DARELBEIDA in white with a lucite heel — so perfect for summer! I know, you want them all now right? I can’t say I didn’t try on like 7+ pairs of shoes. I totally did.
**Update — This giveaway is now closed.*** Lucky for you, I’m giving away $100 gift card to ALDO! All you have to do to enter is leave one comment on this post. For 4 additional entries (not required), you can like ALDO shoes on Facebook, twitter, or me on Facebook, twitter. Already like & follow? Then just comment on the pages or tweet via those channels and come back and leave another comment per channel on this post telling me you did, and for each channel you enter on — so separate comments for the separate platforms so I can count them. I know, kinda confusing, but basically if you do it all you will end up leaving 5 comments on this post and therefore have 5 entries to win. Enter before Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 11:59 pm EDT. I’ll be selecting the winner via random.org and announcing it on my Facebook & twitter on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. And make sure you leave me a way to contact you or make sure you are paying attention to my twitter and Facebook to see if you win! *See all giveaway/sweepstakes information below.
(Above) Marla from ALDO taught me how to do “the four” which is apparently the perfect way to pose to get a full view of your shoes by lifting one leg up and making your legs into a 4.

Lots of mod moments this season with black and white, lucite heels, and metallics.
Continue reading…
April 9, 2013

Got any plans Friday night? Come join me at ALDO at The Fashion Centre in Pentagon City on Friday from 5-8 pm. See all the details below! I went to pick out a pair of spring sandals for the event and lookie what I found… at first I was thinking, hmmm, are these a little too Gwen Stefani for me? Then I put them on and I was like, Gwen Stefani rocks. They are the perfect marriage of sporty and edgy with pops of neon and black details. Even the lined stitching near the toe was spot on, and they are surprisingly comfortable. They were easily the perfect pair to kick off the reopening of the ALDO store, and go perfectly with the mani/pedi I got on my birthday. Now to figure out the outfit…

ALDO always has a wide selection of trendy sandals for every season. I love the names for their sandals, they sound so sexy foreigner, don’t you think? I’ve picked out some of my favorites for this spring:
EDGY
LAURENZA — So obviously I picked these to wear for the party so that pretty much sums up how much I love them. They’re much better on, so really, try them on and you’ll probably feel a little bit cooler.
OREDOLA — These black wedges are the type of shoe that has something different and interesting about them, but they go with everything. You’ll end up wearing them all the time.
BLUE
MUHAYYA — These wedges have a little Sporty Spice in them. They have a slight athletic feel.
MEDICI — I love the colors going on in this shoe. The almost cobalt blue with the spring coral is so perfect!
NEUTRAL
FARIBRIO — These classic wedges take it to the next level with the gold studs. I could see myself wearing these almost daily!
CARNETT — These neutral wedges are a staple in every spring and summer wardrobe. This specific design has a 70s feel which I love.
STRAPPY
DAHRINEE — For times when you need to get gussied up, this black and copper number will have your friends doing a double take. Loving the copper trend right now.
ALVARA — A no-fail sexy heel to dress up any outfit. Throw on your LBD and add this red patent strappy heel and you are good to go.
PATTERN
REVA — This is a fun statement sandal. Definitely the stand0ut items in an outfit! They can easily take cutoff jean shorts and simple cotton black tank to the next level.
TAIPA — This sandal says classic global chic to me. I’m obsessed with the black and tan pattern on the bottom and the cognac-colored leather on top makes it a shoe you can take from season to season.
Which pair is your favorite? Continue reading…
February 26, 2013
I totally agree with Jenna here — purchasing wedding accessories that you can wear years after your wedding — I DO. What a perfect excuse to buy that pair of heels that might be a little above your regular budget for shoes but for your wedding (and beyond) it’s worth it! — Meg

Wedding bells means wedding shoes, jewelry, and accessories (yes, among other things, including but not limited to true love). Your dress is likely “one-and-done” but you can strut in shoes or dazzle in earrings that enhance your bridal bliss and be worn long after the big day.
These details can often be the last ones you think about amidst the bliss of planning but they are a great way to let elements of your personal style shine through at your wedding.
Let’s start with shoes — unless you are someone with a real-life style that supports frequent wear of white satin sling-backs, think about investing in a pair of shoes that do both your wedding day and wardrobe justice. These shoes may run you a pretty penny, but not as pretty as they will look on your feet (wedding and beyond). If any of these styles strike your fancy but a lower cost option is something you seek, use them as examples to guide your shopping.

GLAM
The aisle is your red carpet, you sparkle, and bling your way through life, and your wedding day should be no different. With footwear like this, after your big day, (whether it’s a special soiree or a denim + diamonds affair) your shoes will still be the talk of the night.
Sergio Rossi / Miu Miu / Jimmy Choo Continue reading…
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