Elsie Katz Couture

This is a cute, floral dress that I found in a magazine. It's by Elsie Katz Couture and totally adorable (see title link). Very thin material, so definitely suitable for a summer day. Yeah, yeah, I know it's December 30, but a girl can dream, right?

Journeys

Here's a cool new pick I found. The Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 in the Silver/Green version. It's comfortable and good for your feet with its supportive heel and low weight. According to the Journeys website, it's a Technical Running shoe from 1981. Trendy, too, with its metallic color that goes with a lot of stuff because of the two additional shades of aquamarine and pink. It's $59.99, but really, very versatile in terms of fashion (see title link).

Pink Belts

Pink belts are another style staple for the season. Vibrant colors are the key!

J.O.N.A.S.

I know it's bizarre to take style inspiration from a guy, but Kevin Jonas is truly a style guru. His style is so sophisticated and classy. Truly knows his stuff (see title link).

Life. Energy. Intelligence

L.E.I. Jeans are a budget-friendly resource for good jeans. They used to be Macy's/Sears denim, but these days they're sold at WalMart (see title link)! Taylor Swift is even endorsing them in their latest print campaigns. I'm wearing my pair of L.E.I Jeans right now, and cannot even explain how well they fit and how comfortable they are. Seriously. I've had them for 4 years and they still look as great as they did the first time I wore them, after all those washes!

Gold Bangles!

Gold bangles make a stylish statement these days. Metallics are perfect for the cold season. Very Rihanna, I think

Rebecca. Taylor.

Here's a really classy, beautiful top I found from Rebecca Taylor. It's a cream-colored short sleeve piece and quite sophisticated. It's a pricey $275, though. I guess I'm into high-end designers this week (see title link)?

Happy Christmas Eve!

Gold.Sign.

These jeans are classic and extremely good-quality. They better be, too, because these Goldsign jeans are a hefty $238. The Starlette 9" Rise Slim Leg Jean model is a pretty shade of blue and comfortable without being too tight with a 14" opening. There's some whiskering in the front and a cool, worn and distressed look (see title link). Channel your inner Selena Gomez. It seems that this is something she would pick out.

Black Headbands

Black headbands are in these days. They stand out against light hair and blend in in the best way with dark hair. Thin ones are best, and totally fitting for the season. Plus, they keep the hair out of your face!

Seventeen!

Reading celebrity news and interviews is my guilty pleasure. So if that's your quick fix as well, then head over to Seventeen.com. It has tons of interviews with all your favorite stars, including the Style Stars of 2008 (see title link).

PS3

I played a PS3 for the first time recently, and was amazed at how much fun I had playing the Karaoke Revolution presents American Idol Encore 2 game. It just released last month and even comes with a microphone. You get to choose from 40 hit songs that span the disco era to the presnt and then show your stuff to the judges. You can play against up to 7 other people, too. I've never even watched American Idol before but I still enjoyed it. It's just really cool (see title link). If you have a PS3, I would definitely recommend it.

"Are You Ready To Become The Next AMERICAN IDOL?"

Dressy?

There is a wonderful Johnny Martin dress available at Dillard's right now. It's black and white, with a black skirt and black and white top that has a black base and white translucent floral print on top. A very classic look. It's originally priced at $64, but with holiday sales, you might be able to snag it for a cheaper price (see title link).

Anchor Blue

When I go to Texas for the holidays, what's the one store I can't wait to shop at? Anchor Blue! They have great, moderately-priced jeans that are classic and sophisticated. Check them out (see title link)!

Cool Shoes!

How fitting for the holidays...the Holiday shoe from the Jessica Simpson Collection in the Honey color. It comes with a leather exterior, and a whopping 4.6 inches. Available in sizes 5-10. The platform height is 0.7 inch for some comfort, at least. The crisscross stiletto style is new and innovative and looks great with a bag or clutch made from similar material. The best part? 15% of the profits made will be donated to the Armed Forces Children's Education Fund, a charity for children who have been unfortunate enough to lose parents in war. So during this holiday season, treat yourself AND others. The shoes are $89, but this is one of those unique models that won't be found cheaply anywhere else (see title link).

Kira. Plastinina.

I wrote a blog entry about her a while ago, but sixteen-year-old Russian fashion designer Kira Plastinina is everywhere these days! Recently, she did a photo shoot and styled an America's Next Top Model contestant. Her clothes are definitely chic and SHE is an inspiring teenager (see title link).

ProActiv

ProActiv Solution is reportedly one of the most effective anti-acne systems. I don't have excessive acne, so I've only tried some of their Refining Mask at a friend's house once. It did feel good afterwards, though, and really does fight blemishes (and protects new ones from appearing). It contains sulfur, Kaolin (which absorbs surface oils). Order their system if you please (see title link)! The mask is an added free bonus when you buy the 3-step system.

It's a Secret...

A big question on many girls' minds: Where to find a good strapless bra?
I found one at Victoria's Secret. It's called the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy 100-way Bra, and it works especially well in the cool nude shade. You can wear it normally, strapless, racerback, one shoulder, whatever. There are 44 slits on it so that you can literally adjust it 100 ways. It comes with three straps (halter, regular, and a low-back converter, and although it's only lightly lined, there is subtle padding for those who want it! Underwire cups and back closure, all included, along with a clear, plunging center at the front. It's extremely comfortable as well. And although it is expensive at $50, you can actually wear it every day because of its versatility. Check it out (see title link).

Glam it Up

Here's a cool holiday pick. It's an expensive Tarina Tarantino ring (in the Heliotrope variety). It's extra-large and is a cocktail style, with a 1'' Swarovski crystal and crystal/metal beaded band. Definitely lights up a room. The catch? It's a cool $100. Not necessarily worth it in today's economy, but hey, there are always the elite few who can afford it even today (see title link).

Daisy

New favorite fragrance alert: Daisy by Marc Jacobs is the new eau de parfum for sophisticated, elegant women everywhere. It's fresh, feminine, and playful. There's a hint of innocence as well. Not only does it contain daisy scent, but it also has a secret ingredient: violet. It oozes whimsy and eclectic, and the black color makes it edgy as well. Like the description reads, it truly is "enchanting, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth."
You can buy it at Sephora now. Don't forget to put it on your Christmas list (see title link)!

LBD Alert

Yes, I know this is a picture of a blue dress. But I found this dress in black at JCPenney. It's by Speechless and was $50 there. This one is only available in blue online at Macys.com but is on clearance for $15. Maybe the store carries it in black? Either way, it is truly beautiful. The sequins are so classic and yet make you feel like a star at the same time (see title link).

Kuku Coco Butter!

I got some new deodorant the other day and thought I'd share the benefits. It smells like a fragrance, truly, or at least a body spray. That's because it's given the same scent that the body spray of identical variety has. It's Secret Platinum Scent Expressions Invisible Solid in Kuku Coco Butter. Buyer reviews on drugstore.com (see title link) were mostly positive. One remark says it's not Little Black Dress approved, and I can't fight that one since I haven't worn an LBD in months. However, for everyday use, this deodorant is definitely the way to go.

That Smells GOOD

The Black Friday experience was exciting enough, but while I was browsing the clearance racks in Macy's at 7 AM that day, I noticed a display set up in the Juniors section that featured The World of Harajuku Lovers Fragrance. There are five different scents, each with a different plastic model on the top of its bottle. I sampled the one with the blonde girl, and it smelled heavenly. I can't guarantee the rest, but the $45 1.0 oz bottle of the "G" scent is definitely worth trying (see title link).

Free Stuff!?

If you are a Seventeen magazine subscriber or purchased the latest issue off newsstands, check out their Dress-Up Freebies calendar and enter to win! For example, today they gave away a jewel necklace to 100 lucky girls from girlprops.com. One of those lucky girls next time can be YOU (see title link).

Purse Essential

I have a natural UniBrow, so I'm always hunting for a good tweezer that can fit in my purse without emptying it. When I was at CVS on Saturday I saw the Tweezerman brand. According to the package, the brand is the choice of make-up artists and celebrities and credits itself on being the beauty tool expert. I haven't tried it long enough to see whether it is truly effective, but the hair has not yet shown regrowth. The point is, they were as painless to use as tweezers can be. For all the color-loving folks out there, they come in a variety of shades to fit your mood (or outfit?) (see title link).

"Rolls Royce of Beauty Tools"

Party Makeup

Haven't personally tried this one, but it sounds practical. The Mark Party Starter Kit has a custom color palette with two eye shadows, one blush, one lipstick, and one gloss for $25 in one black clutch to be ready for a touchup at any fete this holiday season. Maybe something to experiment with (see title link)?

French, anyone?

Looking for a French manicure shade for home? Try Nicole by OPI Colors With a Conscience Nail Polish in the Sheer Fun shade. It's $6.64 at Target (see title link) and, though a bit pricey, gives a clean coat when done carefully.

Clothes and Phone? Together?

Southpole, the department store brand that sells some flashy clothing that emphasizes curves, is launching an offer to give YOU a free music & camera phone (provided you pay the activation fee and sign a 2-year contract). I just saw this in a Southpole ad so I don't know much about this. Either way, you can check it out here (see title link).

B-R-U-N-E-T-T-E

I usually try not to be to exclusive with my product critiques, but I couldn't try the other color shampoos in this line because of my one hair color.Pantene Expressions Brunette Expressions Shampoo with Liquid Crystals seemed enticing, so I decided to give it a go. Since my hair is black in nearly all areas, I was scared of what I'd find. While it did lighten it a bit, the newfound shine is worth it. My scalp feels more moisturized and I'm definitely scratching less (although I haven't fully stopped). The bottle says it helps to strengthen against damage, but you'll have to see for yourself on that one. I'd recommend trying it once, though (see title link).

Look!

This month's issue of Seventeen magazine has lots of cool stuff, including an awesome party guide (see title link). Definitely worth looking for.

H&M

I saw this dress in an ad and it is HOT! A cool color, though (navy blue). It's $39.90 at H&M and perfect for a party, gift, or other occasion. I don't mean to sound like a cheesy commercial, but it is just one of those dresses that will look good on anyone (see title link).