WCW: Kate Middleton

The Duchess of Cambridge, oh how I am infatuated with her and her style.  Every picture I see of her, I absolutely drool over.  I even wrote a paper last semester about America's obsession with her and her royal family.  Personally, what I think makes Kate's style so popular is that she dresses to her age while maintaining an appropriate image of a royal.  She also shops at affordable designers and boutiques, remember the Zara necklace?!

He are some of my favorite Kate Middleton looks:

I could go on... I even have a coffee table book dedicated to the styles of The Duchess.  I can't wait to see what she goes for in 2014.

Jennifer Lawrence For Dior

Mega star Jennifer Lawrence has recently paired up with fashion label Dior, and has produced some absolutely stunning images.  This woman is beautiful in every way because she embodies love for one's entire body and is not afraid to speak her mind.
I love the raw yet sophisticated look to the campaign.

It isn't Katniss Everdeen we see showcased, instead its a classically beautiful Jennifer Lawrence.

What are your thoughts on the campaign?

Weekend Mani

I had my official Bid Acceptance for Kappa Kappa Gamma on Friday, and to honor the dark blue and light blue Kappa colors, I went for this manicure:

Products Used:

Base Coat : CND Toughen Up

Top Coat: Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat

Essie Bobbing for Baubles

Essie Bikini So Teeny

OPI Your Royal Shine-ness

Scallop Details for Spring

Scallop detailing first popped up on my radar when The College Prepster posted about this adorable dress from J.Crew Factory.  I thought it was cute, but a little pricy for a look I can't wear until warm weather months.

But I went into Ann Taylor Loft the other day and fell in love.  Their new spring collection is in stores and it is beautiful.  My eyes immediately went to this dress.

Scallop Bodice Dress

The color is more vibrant in person, it is a shade of pink/purple that I adore... and happens to be in the hue family of the Color of the Year.  I knew this dress needed to be in my closet.  It comes pricy, like J.Crew Factory, so I decided to wait because Loft has sales all the time.  But then, I was browsing their online site, I just can't stay away, and I saw the dress was 40%.  Clearly, this dress was meant to be in my closet.  So I quickly made the purchase and the dress is on its way.  I'll be sure to post pictures when it comes in.  Meanwhile, check out these gorgeous looks from Loft's latest collection:

Alexander Wang Gets Innovative

Okay, so I thought this was so cool I had to share with you.  Three words: Heat sensitive leather.  InStyle just featured this hot new sensation by Alexander Wang.  This bag changes colors when it comes into contact with heat.  And what is truly astonishing is that this make-up bag was featured in his Fashion Week show and is available for sale now.  Well, they are sold out as of this minute.  However, according to InStyle more will be available this week.

I won't be purchasing the bag, as it is priced at $375, from Fancy.com. I wanted to show you because I thought it was pretty cool.  Or should I say hot?

NYFW Wrap Up

NY Fashion Week is over and now begins London Fashion Week.  NYFW was filled with beautiful textures, an emergence of color and wearable silhouettes.  I was pleasantly surprised by all the light pink that was scattered throughout many of designers collections.  Other big colors include hues of blue like cobalt (specifically Thakoon), teal, and an icy blue.  Muted pastels were made popular by Ralph Lauren.  Also apparent were jewel tones like ruby and emerald, I'm talking Jason Wu, Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta.

My favorite show had to be Jenny Packham's. I am a total sucker for evening wear, and she does it impeccably.  She makes clothes that make a woman's body beautiful, classy and glamourous.  Here are my favorite luxe looks:

Beat Winter Woes

If you are reading this from the East Coast you are probably sick of snow and cold weather.  I personally think its getting a little old.  Snow is beautiful for about 5 minutes, then once cars and plows start driving, the snow is brown and it's just ugly to look at.

So let's start to embrace the spring!  My favorite way to do this is via Lilly Pulitzer.  The warm weather clothing staple has its spring and resort line out and its webpage is bright and cheerful.  I love flipping through the bold printed shifts, long and flowing maxi dresses, and adorable shorts.  Lilly also just put out the first four prints of new iPhone cases.  I am a sucker for these, and will most likely be picking one up.

The patterns are pink and green heavy, in classic Lilly Pulitzer style.

Multi Elephant Ears

Pb Pink in the Drawing Room

Resort White Coastal Patch

Cabana Pink Sunnyside

Love them all, my favorite two have to be Multi Elephant Ears and Pb Pink in the Drawing Room.

You can grab them at Lilly Pulitzer online for $32.

My Favorite Pair of Pumps

We can all agree that wearing heels is a challenge.  Of course the six inch heels look and sound appealing, but when you try to walk in them, it's more like you are stumbling or in the worse possible case, tripping.  Then you have the issue of wanting to be practical.  All the cute shoes have really high heels.  And the pumps with low heels look like something your mom would wear to work.  Where is the happy medium?!

Well, I am excited to share with you that I have found a happy medium.  I was at DSW browsing around when I stumbled upon this life changing pair of pumps.  They are of a reasonable heel height, 3.5", and come in a variety of colors.  For me, the best part is the polka dot lining.  I picked up two pairs of Steve Madden's Getta Patent Pump, a black and a nude, because there was no way I was letting these get away.

I grabbed mine at DSW for $39.95, however on their website they seem to be in limited sizes.  So I would recommend Zappos for $49.95 and you receive free shipping!
These are going to be a staple piece for your professional wardrobe.  I recently wore mine for an event lasting a few hours of being on my feet and surprise! My feet didn't hurt afterwards! Add these to your closet now, especially considering they are a reasonable price.

China Glaze Spring Collection

A few weeks ago I released a post about all of the spring nail lacquer collections, and at the time China Glaze's Flourish City had not been included.  So here it is:

L-R Row One:

Don't Honk Your Thorn, Strike A Rose, What A Pansy, Thistle Do Nicely, Grass is Lime Greener, Metro Pollen-tin

L-R Row Two:

Petal to The Metal, Peonies & Park Ave, In A Lily Bit, Lotus Begin, At Vase Value, Spring In My Step

As you guys know, I am a sucker for cute and creative polish names, and these are adorable.

 ThePolishaholic recently swatched the collection, check them out here.

Personally, I'll probably be picking up one or two from the collection, because I have picked up similar shades in the past.

The Month in Magazines: March

Hey there, sorry I have been quiet on the blogosphere.  I've decided I need to make up a set schedule of when I will post.  While I wish I could blog everyday, there just are not enough hours in the day.  So I suppose I need to be realistic!  Anyways, here is a list of the latest March cover girls from the top magazines.

InStyle went with Nicole Kidman, which I think is refreshing.  Kidman is gorgeous and isn't constantly in the press, so it's nice to see a new face.

Manicure Quickie

Here is a quick look at my latest manicure:

Get the look with my 3-Way At Home French Manicure Tutorial

Carrie Hits the Runway

Okay, so my three favorite things (I hate using the word "things" like that, so sorry) include nail polish, Carrie Underwood and fashion.  Well, Carrie Underwood collaborated with Nicole by OPI for a collection, and I recently received half of the shades in a care package.  I was so excited.  Then, today, Carrie Underwood made an appearance at New York Fashion Week.  Again, I'm sure you can guess my reaction when I saw Zoya's discreet tweet featuring Carrie.

Almost just ran over @carrieunderwood backstage at @Peter_Som - luckily she's just as nice as she is beautiful! #petersom #nyfw #ZOYANYFW
— ZOYA Nail Polish (@ZoyaNailPolish) February 7, 2014

Carrie attended not only Som's show but also Rebecca Minkoff's showing as well.  I wasn't able to catch the Peter Som show, but I did live stream Rebecca Minkoff's.  I was very impressed with the assortment of winter wool jackets, and the appearance of dusty pink sprinkled throughout the collection.

At Peter Som

At Rebecca Minkoff with Anna Kendrick and Zoisa Mamet from HBO Girls

Keep up with NY Fashion Week on Style.com or Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Go Naked for Less

Urban Decay has truly created a Naked cult.  They just keep feeding our addiction with new products.  While this product isn't necessarily a part of the Naked line, I think it is a great comprise - cost wise - when it comes to getting the Naked look.

We all know the Naked palettes (except for the all matte Naked Basics) come with a hefty price tag of $52.  I don't blame you if you are hesitant about splurging on eyeshadow, even if it one of my favorites on my vanity.  So I present to you a middle ground.  Urban Decay launched two new eyeshadow duos for $18 each.  Each duo contains at least one shade featured in the Naked palette.  

Sin + Mushroom

X + Half Baked

I have worked with both Sin and Half Baked before and they are among my favorites among all three palettes.  If you are more experienced with contouring and blending in your crease I would go for the duo containing Sin and Mushroom.  If you just want to dabble you make-up brush in the world of Urban Decay, I suggest X + Half Baked.

Like almost everything put out by Urban Decay, these formulas wear well and have great pigmentation.

They are available exclusively at Urban Decay's website for a limited time only.  Get them before they are gone and it will be the best impulse purchase you will ever make.

Real Beauty

Dove's Real Beauty campaign has been running for a few years now.  Dove has done a wonderful job celebrating the real bodies of real women.  The latest addition to the campaign is probably one of my favorites.  Just watch this ASAP.



Did you know, that only 4% of women in the entire world call themselves beautiful?

After watching this I hope you start calling yourself beautiful or start seeing the qualities that make you beautiful.

Want to see more? Head over to Dove's Real Beauty campaign website.

A Stop to Smoking

Big news around the web is a national call to end smoking.  Just yesterday I read an article on NBC News about the FDA's latest campaign to get Americans to put down the cigarette by targeting teenagers 11-16 years old.  With one year and $115 million, the FDA hopes its "Real Cost" ad campaign will reach its target audience and keep teenagers from picking up the habit in the first place.  Here is one of the print ads the FDA will use in magazines like Teen Vogue:

Graphic, bold and in your face.  While I am not in the target audience, this ad certainly received my attention.  Some interesting facts I learned in the article was that 90% of today's adult smokers began at age 18.  Therefore if the FDA is on the right track with this new advertising tactic, that number will drop over the next few years.

After the Food and Drug Administration released this news, CVS Caremark announced it would no longer be selling cigarettes and tobacco products by October 1.  I first read about this on CNN.  My first thought was, "Yah right, the tobacco industry is too lucrative.  CVS will take a major financial hit".  Then I kept reading, and CNN writer, Elizabeth Landau addressed my concern: "Stopping cigarette sales comes at a price. CVS Caremark estimates it will take an annual loss of $2 billion from tobacco shoppers -- $1.5 billion in tobacco sales and the rest from other products tobacco shoppers purchase while in the store."  However CVS is standing its ground and wants to support the national initiative to keep America and its youth healthy.  Landau reported CVS Caremark's CEO, Larry J. Merlo as saying, "Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health.  Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose."

Ultimately, I think this a positive decision on CVS's part.  Having the cooperation of major retailers will help to increase the success of the FDA's mission.  Even First Lady Michelle Obama was excited by CVS's choice:

Thanks @CVS_Extra, now we can all breathe a little easier, and our families can live healthier. –mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) February 5, 2014

I know this isn't typically what I post about, but I felt the issue was important.  If you smoke or know someone who does, think about the long term side effects.  And if you won't quit for yourself, do it for your family.  They don't deserve to lose someone at the hand of a cigarette.

New York Fashion Week

Tomorrow starts New York Fashion Week in fashion capital, NYC.  Designers will be showcasing their Fall/Winter 2014 Collections on runways all over the city.  Personally, I have always found fashion week to be rather intimidating and sometimes confusing.  So here are five ways to help you navigate one of the most celebrated weeks in fashion.

1. Know the Schedule

Preparation is key when it comes to trying to navigate anything.  The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has a list of designers here.  You can also see a full, rather long list here.  The shows begin at 9am and run all day at all different locations until 9 pm.  I am excited to catch Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg and Zac Posen to name a few.  

2. Catch Some Live Streaming

For the past few years designers have been allowing their shows to be streamed through digital devices.  This goes hand in hand with several social media campaigns to create a conversation with the average customer and these elite brands.  You can live stream shows on the MB Fashion Week page, or Style.com or NewYorkFashionWeekLive.com.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2014

New Layout

Glitter In Her Hair received a haircut!  I felt it was time for a refreshing new look, so I did some playing around with HTML, (I was actually pretty proficient with coding back in the day), and came up with this.
One of the most important aspects of today's society is the ability to evolve.  We have to stay on our toes and keep our outlooks fresh.  I know its hard to think a head of the game, when sometimes its so difficult to keep up with the day of the week.  However, I challenge you to "refresh" something in your life once a month.
It doesn't have to be drastic, I know some people are resistant to change.  Maybe you could try a new nail polish finish.  If you are a hardcore glitter girl, try out a duo chrome or even a creme.  Or maybe you will take the t-shirts that are at the bottom of the t-shirt pile in your drawer and stick them on top so you will reach for those more often.  On Sunday I cleaned out two of my vanity drawers.  I always had a hard time keeping them organized because they are so deep.  I put headbands, moisturizers, bows and other small objects in them so I can't stack them on top of each other, or there will be a really big mess.

Whatever it is you chose to do, I hope it brings you a sense of peace and happiness.

Maybe you could clean out those Hannah Montana and High School Musical songs that have been on your iPod since 8th grade?

I Went Downtown With Lady A

My semester is in full swing at week three, and I am just becoming busier and busier with each day.  Between schoolwork, partaking in community service, traveling and blogging the tasks never end.  I am so sorry I have been light on the posts lately.  This past weekend I traveled down to Mohegan Sun to meet my parents and we went to the Lady Antebellum Take Me Downtown Tour.  It was such a great time.  I was in the pit, so no seats, standing only.  However, I was so up close and personal with Kacey Musgraves, who kicked off the show, Kip Moore and of course Lady A.  Not to mention, I was fortunate enough to win a meet and greet with the trio.  They were so sweet, personal and lovely.  My mother made a tutu and embroidered a onesie with the lyrics to Compass, the group's latest single, for Hillary Scott's new baby, Eisele.  When I presented it to Hillary Scott, she was very excited and loved the idea.

To see pictures, read more!