All That Glitters

Christmas, or “The Holidays”…whatever, isn’t just fun for all the little boys and girls waiting for their gifts under the tree. This just may be the most enjoyable time of year for all of us self-proclaimed fashionistas. Not only is the holiday season jam packed with party after party for you to show off all your fav duds, it’s also a time where we can go over-the-top with sequins and sparkles and beading {oh my!} without worrying about looking gaudy or tacky. After all, that’s kind of the name of the game. Yes, tis the season where too much is NEVER enough! Ladies, grab your credit card and let’s go! Here are my suggestions for this year’s festivities.

Let’s start with your Christmas work party. I know some of you have already had your office parties. For the rest of us, let’s keep a few things in mind…like your office dress code. We all know that work parties often involve too much drinking, inappropriate touching, and talking too loudly about your rival who’s sitting 4 seats down. Let’s not add fuel to the fire by wearing your most slut-tastic party dress. Keep it classy by keeping the ladies at bay and your hemline not too far above the knee. This dress from Dynamite covers all bases, and with a satiny finish and embellished shoulders, it’s perfect for a holiday party. Not enough glitz? No problem! It’s black, so feel free to add some gold costume jewellery and a bright colored jacket or cardi.

flare dress   Dynamite  $49.90

                                 

girlfriend jacket $30, dangle earrings $12.90, bangles $16.90 all at dynamite.ca

Next up, Christmas Eve. A day often spent with boyfriends, your closest buds, or family. Casual is key, but you still shouldn’t lack in the sparkle department! Some coated jeggings, a cozy sweater, and sparkly tank should do the trick, and I found the perfect look at Garage.

boyfriend cardigan $44.90, cinnamon coated jegging $30, sequined chiffon tank $20 all at garage.ca

Christmas Day may call for something a tad more sophisticated. A shirt and skirt combo, a tunic with leggings, or a simple dress with printed tights are all great options. Since Christmas Day for most of us consists of travelling from house to house visiting loved ones, comfort should also be top of mind, so I’m choosing the tunic and leggings option.

sequined tunic sweater  $27.80, velour leggings  $18.80, fringed scarf  $10.80 all at forever21.com

Planning on hosting or attending a Boxing Day party? Keep it simple. Sparkle on top, denim on bottom, add some heels and you’re good to go!

sequins cardi  $69.43 , mesh and sequin cami  $39.65,  inky black indigo skinny jean $29.77

And the SHINIEST day of them all? New Year’s Eve of course! Pile on the glitter and get ready to show off ALL of your best assets so you can snag that perfect New Year’s kiss . This is the day where you can make every sparkle count, and the only rule is that more is more. Le Chateau has a TON of gorgeous dresses to make your New Year perfect. I picked a few dresses perfect for dancing the night away with that special someone {or with your fellow fabulous singles}.

prices from top to bottom  $269.95,  $289.95,  $240

There  you have it! My top picks for this season. Now go, get excited, and enjoy putting together your own holiday looks. And remember…for every gift you buy for someone else, you get to buy 2 for yourself! Or is it the other way around?

Happy shopping!

xo Cree

Cut It Out!

We’ve seen the LBD, the LWD, the maxi, bodycon, but this Summer it’s all about the cut out dress. Celebs like Kate Hudson, Emma Watson, and the Kardashians have been stepping out in droves sporting this hot trend which boasts that less really is more. The styles range from modest slices showing flashes of skin, to plunging v’s with mesh overlays, to major cuts leaving little to the imagination. With the right cut, this trend is super hot and very edgy.

If you want to step out in this sexy style for your next event, Top Shop has you covered. I found these 8 dresses for you to choose from… and the BEST part? They’re all under $50!

 $46                             $46                          $45                      $45

$45                   $36                        $45                  $45

At these prices, with this  much variety, and with free shipping on all orders over $100, why not get two!

Good luck choosing…

xo Cree

Girl Code

When I say ‘Girl Code’, I do not mean the dating standards according to all the men your friends and acquaintances have had physical and/or emotional relationships with. What I am referring to is MUCH simpler than that. What I mean is that you, as a friend AND as a woman, should always be 100% honest with your girlfriends with regards to their physical appearance when preparing to step foot into public. If you’re not sure what I’m getting at here, let me break it down for you.

When you are getting ready to go out with your girlfriend(s), you should always alert her if;

*her eyebrows look like the hairiest caterpillars you’ve ever seen

*that, yes,  maybe she should have washed her hair today

*she went overboard on the self tanner

*she went overboard on the make up too

*she has a camel toe

*she has a very visible panty line

*she forgot to shave her arm pits

Don’t hesitate to fill her in on these things, as they are often time consuming and time is of the essence here. She may be taken back at first by your brutal honesty, but she WILL thank you later. Offer to help pick another outfit, tweeze her eyebrows, exfoliate the shit out of her arms…whatever it takes to A) Have her ready to leave on time,  and B) To rebuild any ego that got bruised in the process.

No one had the decency to tell these 2 that perhaps their pants were a tad too tight.

When you are already out, you still have an obligation to tell your bestie if any of the following occur {no matter how drunk she is}

*she has a bat in the cave

*she has lipstick on her teeth

*her make up is running and she’s beginning to resemble a raccoon

*she has eyeliner gunk in the corner of her eyes

*the humidity has made her hair look like she stuck her finger in an electrical socket

*her breath is rancid

*she should cross her legs when she sits because her ‘Britney’ has just made a cameo

*her g-string keeps riding up her back

*she has a nip slip

You MUST tell her any/all of these things if they occur the minute you notice. If a random stranger {or worse… a GUY} tells her first, she’ll berate you for not telling her and you’ll forever be the reason why she had a horrible night.

Wow, a brush would have gone a long way for this tangled mane.

A smart women is proactive, and crammed into that tiny purse she has everything she needs JUST in case shit gets cray. Besides your wallet and cell phone, you should have the following in your handbag;

*matte powder

*gum or mints

*lipstick

*some tissue

*a mirror

*a comb or brush

*a hair elastic and some bobby pins

A lot of things, yes, but they don’t take up a lot of space and could very well save your night.

If I missed anything, please let me know, but I think I’ve covered most of the crucial points! Just remember, good friends don’t knowingly let good friends  look like shit {even if she is hotter than you}. After all, it could happen to you – and karma really is a bitch.

xo Cree

Power Prints

Givenchy SS Resort 2012

Dolce & Gabbana FW 2012

Inspired by 16th century artistry and sculpture, Baroque style refers to clear and exaggerated prints, like chains mixed with animal prints, dramatic florals,  ropes and swirls, and elaborate embellishment. While prints have been popular for several years now, these particular prints are more grande and sophisticated, evoking an almost regal feel. Baroque has long been a fav for Versace, but more recently designers like Prada, Emilio Pucci, and Givenchy have incorporated the ornate prints and patterns into their Spring/Summer 2012 and upcoming Fall/Winter 2012 collections. Not only have they adorned their dresses and apparel with baroque, but they’ve also included swimwear and accessories.

Versace swimsuit, D&G shoes, Prada sunglasses, Miu Miu handbag

Celebs are already enamored with this hot trend, with stars like Beyonce, Fergie, and Chloe Mortez all spotted wearing it. Retailers have also worked baroque into their Summer collections, and I expect that with the previews for Fall/Winter 2012 collections having tons of these power prints, that this trend may actually stick around for a while.

Since designer collections aren’t as accessible to us ordinary folk, I shopped around and found a selection of what you can expect from retailers;

Zip Bralet  $18  Top Shop

Belted Dress  $39.90  Dynamite

Body-Con Tank Dress  $19.99  Charlotte Russe

Printed Clutch  $40  Aldo

Flower Print Tee  $29.90  Zara

Chain Print Skirt  $5  Urban Planet

Animal & Flower Print Wedge  $50  Spring

This is definitely a trend MADE for me! I’ll be hunting for my first baroque purchase this weekend…so stay tuned!

xo Cree

Fun in the Sun 101

This post may seem completely irrelevant right now as most of eastern Canada is in for a week of rain and overcast skies, and the expected UV today is a high of 3. Rest assured though, we will experience those high temps and sunny skies {eventually}, so here are some tips to stay healthy and beautiful while enjoying the sun this Summer.

* I should mention, just because it’s overcast doesn’t mean you won’t get a sunburn! Check the UV forecast if you’re planning a day outside

Let’s start with our skin. People often ask me how I keep my face looking soft and young, and I can partially credit good genes, but the other half is that I moisturize daily, I use sunscreen, and I wear cosmetics with SPF protection. Natural freckles are beautiful, but most women {and I’m guilty of this myself} think that spray of freckles you get across your nose after your first day lazing in the sun is so cute and looks youthful. In reality, these spots are caused from sun damage that can accelerate you’re skin’s aging process. You’re all adults, so I’m not going to lecture you about the negative effects of tanning and skin cancer and everything else, but if you do in fact want your skin to stay young and beautiful, then listen up.

What should you look for in a sunscreen? Most people think that if you choose the highest SPF, then you’re getting the best protection. This is false! Most dermatologists agree that SPF 30 is high enough for daily use sunscreen, but there are a few other things you should look for if you want the best protection. You should seek out sunscreens with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Sunscreens with active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less irritating and are effective immediately upon application, so you can head outside right after applying. Avoid sunscreens with just UVA or just UVB protection – you need both. Also avoid sunscreens with active ingredients ending in –ate, -ene, or -one, as they have greater potential for skin irritation and take 20-30 minutes to absorb and activate after application. This can leave your skin vulnerable to damaging UV rays, so if you are applying sunscreen and still getting a nasty burn, your sunscreen itself could be the culprit! With all this info in mind, make sure you read the label beyond the SPF value before purchasing.

Here are some sunscreens that should do the trick;

Clarins Day Screen, Aveeno Active Naturals, Neutrogena Sensitive Skin

Your skin is not the only thing at risk this summer…your hair is also very vulnerable. Hours in the sun, humidity, and salt water are all your hair’s worst enemy. Colored hair is especially vulnerable to sun bleaching, and since you probably just paid $100+ getting it colored, take extra precaution when heading out in the sun. Lucky for us, fashion is on our side this summer! Head scarves and big floppy hats are not only super cute, but they will protect your color and keep your hair safe from the sun’s drying and damaging rays.

If you’re not into accessorizing, there are some great products out there that can keep your hair protected too.

L’Oreal Ever Pure UV Protect Spray protects color treated hair from harmful UV rays. It has UVA and UVB filters, and can be sprayed on wet or dry hair.

John Frieda Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray helps protect hair by coating each strand with a moisture barrier to prevent frizz on hot humid days, and also contains sunscreen to block UV rays.

Alterna Summer Hair Ocean Waves contains “Enzymetherapy® and Color Hold®” technology. This formula provides UVA and UVB protection to keep color safe from sun damage and fading. It also protects from visible light rays and artificial light sources,  extending the life of your hair color.

*Most of these products should be available in your local drugstore beauty section, and the others I’ve linked to where you can find them.

I know I said I wouldn’t lecture, but I just have one more thing to add. If you really want tanned skin, there are other options. You can achieve the LOOK of tanned skin without actually spending hours laying in the sun or frequenting the tanning salon. Get a spray tan, or use tanning lotion or towelettes. I’m not in a position to recommend what products to use or where to get them because I’m ‘au naturale’ in that regard, but they’re out there. So heed my advice! Or you may be pinching your pennies for Botox sooner than you might think.

xo Cree

Battle of the Sexes

Let me set the scene for you;

It’s Friday night. You and your closest girlfriends are at your house getting ready to go out. You’re all spending literally hours on your hair and make up, and you’ve changed 10 times before finally deciding on an outfit. But who are you REALLY dressing for? Most of you I’m sure actually think you are dressing to impress your man {or a prospective man}, but the truth is that we’re all just trying to out dress each other. We want to be the hottest, trendiest, sluttiest {it’s true and you know it, don’t be such a prude}, or most beautiful girl in the room. In our battle to do so, we forget that all the trends and fashion mean jack shit to most men. With this in mind, and in hopes to save us all from a night of torture while getting ready tonight, I’ve compiled a little list of things we wear that our men think are the ugliest effing things they’ve ever laid eyes on;

The Harem Pant – This has to be the most universally hated piece by men. The other day I pulled on a denim harem pant to run errands with the BF, and when I emerged from my closet he simply said “No”.  I asked why and got another {more definite} “No”. While we see a harem pant as fashion forward and a great piece to add shape if you don’t have curves, all THEY see is MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice.

Romper – A great alternative to a dress, a romper is complete with shorts, so we don’t need to worry about pulling a ‘Britney’. We’re elated to have a ’2fer’  to make outfit selection a little easier in the morning. Our men, however, think they look like pajamas or children’s clothes.

Tie Neck Blouse – To us, a bow neck is the cutest and most feminine way to pretty up our office attire. To them, we actually look like a circus clown, and they’re quite perplexed as to why we’re so determined to hide the twins.

Maxi Dresses – My personal fav, a maxi dress is the perfect summer frock, and a great choice if you don’t have time to shave your legs.  Our other half will disagree because it  “looks like a nightgown” and is also a little too conservative. They would prefer to see our {freshly shaved} gams.

High Waisted Shorts – Women – “Wow, these make my waist look TINY!”

                                                    Men – “Wow, that’s gotta be the longest ass I’ve ever seen.”

So what do our men REALLY want to see us in? Nope, not our birthday suits, ladies. Just plain ‘ol jeans and a white tee will do! {I’m sure minus the bra would earn extra points}.  I’m not saying you should stop wearing all things fashionable or give up your hair and make up routine, as I certainly will not be doing so! But perhaps once in a while, or next time you’re headed to lunch or a movie, we can surprise him and keep it simple.

DISCLAIMER – I have piloted this project for you and epically failed the first few times, so read carefully. Ensure you have the most basic white tee you can find. Princess seams, deep v’s, embellishment, and tunics simply will not due. A short sleeve crew neck will suffice. Pictured below is exactly what you should be looking for.

Jen Aniston is the jeans & tee Queen – she may be on to something…

xo Cree

Hair Freshener

I’ve been wanting to try dry shampoo forever, but I heard so many negative things {like it turns your hair white or leaves behind residue} that I put it on the back burner. Now, since I’ve lightened my hair, frequent and damaging hair washing is out of the question, so I finally decided to give dry shampoo a go. Yesterday, while out gallivanting at Wal Mart, I headed to the hair products aisle and spotted got 2b rockin’ it encore fresh dry shampoo. It was less than $4, so obviously this was my choice for my first product test. I typically like to test out hair products when I have no immediate plans so, JUST in case it goes horribly wrong, I have time to tackle my mane. Last night I happened to have dinner plans, and my day of running errands ran VERY late leaving me ZERO time to wash and restyle my hair. I had no choice but to blindly use my just purchased dry shampoo, and luckily – SUCCESS! It worked like a charm leaving my hair feeling, smelling, and looking fresh.

There are a few things you should know before dabbling in dry shampoo. First thing’s first here; although I found this very effective, it is NOT a miracle worker, so make sure your expectations are realistic. This product will help you “skip a day of shampooing”. Although a brilliant substitution, you will not achieve the same result as actually washing your hair. If you have super thin and oily hair, dry shampoo’s may not be the answer. I have VERY thick, light brown hair. I usually skip a day or two of washing anyway, so this product is perfect for me in that I don’t need a ton of assistance skipping a day or two.

Secondly, read and follow the instructions. This product is in aerosol form and comes out in short, fast bursts, so make sure you point and aim before you shoot! Sparingly apply at the root in small sections and let it sit for a few minutes. It comes out powdery white, but don’t be alarmed! Just rub it in with your fingertips, and then brush it out and it disappears. If it doesn’t disappear, you probably used too much. That’s why I said sparingly…you can always add more if needed, but if you add too much too start you’ll be left with a greyish tint {practice makes perfect…don’t be discouraged if you eff it up the first time}.

Lastly, keep it simple sister! I’ve watched several video tutorials for this product where women did extras, like leaving it in for 20+ minutes and/or blow drying the product. These extra steps are not necessary. These type of products are meant to be quick-fix solutions and to help avoid damage, so these extra steps pretty much defeat the purpose of the product itself.

All in all, this product gets a solid 2 thumbs up from me, so here’s hoping that if you decide to try it that you have the same success with it!

xo Cree