Mom and me, circa 1979
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by CoverGirl.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday and I’m so excited. Not just because Mr. Spoiled Pretty and my son, Westley, are treating me to a decadent brunch. But because it’s an opportunity to celebrate my hero, Andrea Stamps.
I must admit that until two years ago, Mother’s Day was just another CONTINUE READING
At Christmastime, I agonized over what to get my son's daycare teachers. There are 12 of them - and even though he has his two main teachers, they all have interaction with him and take excellent care of him. So I needed to buy 12 gifts to show my appreciation, without breaking the bank. $10 each seemed doable, except CONTINUE READING
As a beauty expert, I’m embarrassed by how late I am to the BB Cream party. In the past year, so many friends and colleagues have asked me about BB Creams—what’s the buzz, which brands are the best, etc. —and they would look at me funny when I admitted to not having tried BB Creams yet. I mean, they CONTINUE READING
I’m very fickle about my fingernails. Before I paint my nails or get them professionally did, I spend a inordinate amount of time pondering my polish options. I consider the season, recent trends, my wardrobe that week and anywhere special I might go. But despite all of this planning, I’m usually over my polish choice before it even dries.
Not CONTINUE READING
After beauty products, handbags are my secondary addiction. But when it comes to arm candy, I have discriminating taste. For me, the perfect handbag seamlessly marries fashion with function, is handcrafted from high-quality materials, has really unique hardware and is classic but edgy - all at the same time. I don't like to carry the of-the-moment "it" bag. I CONTINUE READING
Earlier this month, Kate Spade (aka creator of cuteness and the reason why I can't seem to keep money in my wallet), launched a brand new line called Kate Spade Saturday.
Kate Spade Saturday is a new global lifestyle brand created to channel the spirit of Saturday seven days a week. This younger, more accessible sister to kate spade new CONTINUE READING
Well, I didn’t win the LOFT Blog Wars – but I thank each and every one of you who voted for Spoiled Pretty. I had a respectable showing in the poll, and appreciate your support.
Even though I came in 3rd, I’m still super stoked because I get to award one of you with a $100 LOFT gift card. And that reader is (drumroll, please)….Christine Fidance!
Holiday time is my favorite time of the year. I love scurrying from store to store, playing Santa and getting the must-haves on everyone’s list. I’m a present-wrapping superstar; if there were levels, I’d be a third degree black belt. And the holiday specials at Starbucks (Caramel Brulee Latte, Eggnogg Latte and Peppermint Mocha are my faves!) make the season even sweeter.
But throwing together last-minute ensembles for holiday shindigs? That’s when my inner Scrooge comes out. Here’s the problem – and you can probably relate. You hate everything in your closet; it either doesn’t fit properly, or it’s not festive enough for the party’s dress code. On the other hand, there’s a recession going on and you can’t justify buying an entire outfit for one holiday get-together. Makes you wanna say “bah humbug” and just RSVP with regrets.
Luckily, LOFT is here to rescue you from holiday fashion disaster.
In case you haven’t heard, Ann Taylor Loft is now LOFT. They’ve re-named and re-branded the company, and upped the style ante. And one of the many great things about LOFT that I love is that they’ve got petites! Can I get a hallelujah, shorties?
Anyway, LOFT has some amazing pieces that you can pair with something already in your closet – to create a chic, festive outfit without breaking the bank. For example, pair this Sequin Sparkle Tank with a pair of jean or black pants and layer a blazer or cardigan on top. This Sequin Scarf is only $29.50 and will jazz up just about anything in your wardrobe. What about that go-to little black dress your friends have seen you wear countless times? Take that dress from wah-wah-wah to wow with one of LOFT’s statement necklaces. My favorite is the Clear Gem Bib Necklace with Black Chain – I can think of 10 “new” outfits I could create with this accessory alone!
To celebrate their new name and image, LOFT is having a contest called Blog Wars. Starting today at 4pm, visit LOFT’s Facebook fan page (here’s the link to the actualpoll), and vote for your favorite blog (hint: your favorite blog is Spoiled Pretty). On Friday afternoon, the blogger with the most votes wins a $500 LOFT gift card. Child, you know mama loves to shop…so help me out here!
To get you motivated, I’m doing a giveaway too! Go to LOFT’s website and find a festive holiday item. Then come back here and tell me (in the comments) how you’d pair that item with something already in your closet to create a holiday party ensemble. On Friday evening, I’ll award one of the commenters with a $100 LOFT gift card!
You’ve read all four books in the Twilight saga. Your Twilight DVD is in such heavy rotation, you fear you might wear it out and consider buying a backup. You bought advance tickets to see New Moon on opening day, then returned to the movie theater later that week to make sure you didn’t miss anything. You know the date that Eclipse hits theaters. And every time you’re in a store with one of those life-size cardboard cutouts of Robert Pattinson, you’re tempted to snatch it and make like a tree.
If any of the aforementioned statements describe you, congrats…you’re a Twihard. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about…I’m a Twihard too, and this is a safe place. In fact, this is the place – if theCullen Crest t-shirts just aren’t your thang, and you’re looking for a more unique way to pledge your allegiance to Team Edward.
This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Demitasse Jewelry for a fang-tastic giveaway! Three lucky readers will win a necklace from Demitasse’s limited edition, “The Vampire Chronicles” jewelry collection, inspired by New Moon.
The DemiVamp necklace is made of pewter and comes in three colors (Ancient Brass, Silver Bullet, and Rose Heart) with matching 30″ cable chains. It features a size 9 ring of fangs and a bullet tip center.
To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name, mailing address, and the answer to this question: which global campaign does Demitasse support to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues? Hint: the answer can be found on the Demitasse Jewelry website. The subject line should read “Demitasse Jewelry Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, December 21st. Three winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, December 22nd, I’ll announce the winners’ names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.
Let’s congratulate the winners of the Beautyblender Hot Pink Holiday Giveaway: Kelly Nelson and Arlene Pappalardo. These readers will receive the Hot Pink Holiday gift set ($23.95), which includes Beautyblender and 3 oz Blendercleanser in an organza drawstring carry pouch.
Many thanks to Beautyblender for creating such an amazing products and for sponsoring this giveaway!
This morning, I appeared on the NBC 10! Show, to share my absolute favorite holiday beauty gift picks…
Godiva Home Fragrance Collection: Godiva Chocolatier unveils a new way to indulge in the sensorial decadence of its chocolate – the Godiva Home Fragrance Collection. These scented candles of deep chocolate-colored wax infused with cocoa butter are the brand’s first foray into the home fragrance category in its over 80 year history. These ready-to-gift candles are available in both travel and full sizes and the sumptuous scents are sure to please each and every chocolate connoisseur. The collection includes the following fragrances: Milk Chocolate Truffle, Raspberry Ganache, White Chocolate Magnolia, Peppermint Bark, Black Almond Truffle. The candles retail for $22.50 (Regular Candle 7 oz) and $12.50 (Travel Candle 4.4 oz) and are available at Neiman Marcus and Bath & Body Works.
Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System: From the creators of the Sonicare toothbrush comes the Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleaning System, featuring a handy to-go sized version of the original, groundbreaking skin care Clarisonic Brush. The sonic frequency moves Clarisonic’s soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing pores and skin surface. The Clarisonic Mia removes makeup six times better than traditional methods, clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size, cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better, creates noticeably healthier looking skin. The Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System includes: Clarisonic Mia One Speed Brush, international charger for worldwide use, sensitive brush head, 1 oz Gentle Hydro Cleanser. The Clarisonic Mia costs $149 and is sold at Sephora and clarisonic.com.
Sephora Fragrance Samplers for Him and Her: These boxed ensembles are the perfect gift of fragrance when you’re not sure which one to choose. The sets include samples of Sephora’s top-selling fragrances to try, a gift voucher that can be redeemed at any Sephora store for a full-sized bottle of any one of the samples included, and a fragrance guide. The Collector’s Edition Samplers are $75 and the Deluxe Samplers are $50.
Zoya Holiday Minicure Gift Set: This kit contains essentials for the perfect manicure, in the perfect miniature gift set: Zoya Remove+ (polish remover), Armor Top Coat, Anchor Base Coat, and Hurry Up Speed Dry Drops. This incredible value set ($15) is a perfect stocking stuffer, office gift or a personal treat.
Felix Rey Cosmetics Cases: How many makeup bags are so gorgeous that you could carry them as an evening clutch and be the chicest gal in the room? Not many…and I would wager that most of them come courtesy of Felix Rey, a sophisticated and ultra-feminine luxury brand of accessories founded by Lily Rafii Band and Sulaika Zarrouk. The cosmetics cases run the gamut in terms of size, style, print and price ($24-120) – so you’re sure to find the perfect present for that makeup-loving gal on your gift list. Leighton Meester, Hayden Panetierre, Hilary Duff, Penelope Cruz and Fergie are all fans of Felix Rey.
Bath & Body Works Lounge Shea Socks: These super-soft, ultra-pampering socks contain enough moisturizing shea butter to last up to 25 washes. The Lounge Shea Socks are available in 20 different colors/prints.
Members of the studio audience received a pair of the Bath & Body Works Lounge Shea Socks and nail polish from Zoya’s Ultra Glitter winter collection. For faithful Spoiled Pretty readers, like you, I’m upping the beauty booty.
One lucky winner will receive: candles from the Godiva Home Fragrance Collection, Sephora Fragrance Samples for Him and Her, a Zoya Holiday Minicure Gift Set, Felix Rey Leopard Nylon Cosmetics Case (large), and Bath & Body Works shea socks!
To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read “NBC 10 Holiday Beauty Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, December 14th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, December 15th, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.
Well, I didn’t win the LOFT Blog Wars – but I thank each and every one of you who voted for Spoiled Pretty. I had a respectable showing in the poll, and appreciate your support.
