Prayers

"When the elderly die, the past dies; when children die, the future dies."

Sandy Hook Elementary School, CT 12/14/2012

Louboutin Nails

Hi dolls! While I can't claim this as my genius handiwork, I just had to share my friend Teslah's amazingly gorgeous manicure. Inspired by Christian Louboutin's Swarovski crystal-studded Dafodile pump, this is one luxe paint job. She went with stiletto-shaped tips, covered in a chunky silver glitter polish (I believe she said she used Essie's Set in Stones; see my review of the polish here) with a lipstick red on the underside. Below, her manicure compared to the Louboutin shoes, worn by the fabulous Beyoncé. Sorry the picture is a little blurry, I guess I got too excited to keep the camera shot still!

Even with a broken middle finger, this mani is fierce!!

 I think this take on the Louboutin manicure is fabulous! So, what do you think? Brave enough to try this look, or will you stick with something more demure for the holiday season? Xx

Paris, je t'aime.

Ahh, wanderlust. Always creeping in and making me wish I was somewhere far, far away. Specifically, 4000 miles away in the City of Lights. I'm talking Paris, people! It's been a dream of mine to go to France since I was a wittle kiddie, and seven years of French classes have only added fuel to the fire.

What is it about Paris that pulls on my heartstrings? I don't know why I have such a connection to this place I've never been to before, but ask me where I would go if I could go anywhere in the world, and the answer will always be, "Paris." The entire French culture is beautiful, but in a relaxed, subdued way. Parisian chic is easy elegance, something that comes naturally to those lucky enough to be native Parisians. This post is dedicated to all of my favorite things French, so click on the jump and allons-y!

Winter Fun

Winter Fun by atrpcevski3 featuring tote handbags

The perfect outfit for chilly winter activities. In soft fabrics and shiny finishes, chic neutrals are never boring. Complete the look with knit accessories and sparkly holiday nails. Enjoy! Xx

This Week's Beauty Purchases!

It's been quite a productive week in beauty buys for me. I haven't had a chance to try everything out yet, but I figured I'd introduce all of the products and we can go into them a little further later on. Let's get started!

NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna: After a less-than-stellar experience with Too Faced Peach Leopard Bronzer, I thought I'd try this cult classic. I detest super-shimmery bronzers, but the shimmer in this bronzer is almost undetectable; it just imparts a radiant glow. The shade "Laguna" is good for my pale winter skin. Maybe I'll try "Casino" in the summer time.

Maybelline Volum' Express the Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara: Is it just me, or are long product names super annoying? Regardless, I have mixed feelings about this mascara. The curved brush doesn't really do much for me as far as volume, but it helps with curl. I think layering this with another mascara (probably my favorite L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black) would look nice. My only issue is that Maybelline mascaras are a real pain to take off.

Essie Nail Polish in Bahama Mama: If you're trying to get in on autumn's oxblood trend but don't want to take the full dive, this is a great way to start. I thought this color would just be a deep fuchsia, but the deep burgundy/maroon color is much more than that. Pretty and rich, perfect for fall and winter. 

Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Café Au Lait: I got this lip gloss for free with a top I purchased from Lulu's. Honestly, I thought the gloss I received was a sample size, so I reordered it thinking the retail size would be bigger. I was a little disappointed to find out the petite container is what you get. This gloss is nice and moisturizing, and the color is a great neutral for every day. Would I pay $14 for it again? Probably not. 

Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray: I am so excited for this product, and I haven't even tried it yet. I absolutely loooved Oribe Dry Texturing Spray. Maximista is a "thermal-protective body-builder," and I think using it in conjunction with Oribe Crème for Style will give fantastic results. Did I mention how amazing Oribe products smell? Mmm!

Real Techniques Powder Brush: This is my first Real Techniques brush, and I think it's great. Right now I use an Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush to apply bronzer, and I think it's a little too heavy-handed. For a lighter bronzer application, especially on my pale autumn/winter skin, I think this fluffy brush will do the trick. I had a coupon at Ulta (yay!) and was able to get this brush for around $7 USD. Quite a deal for such a fabulous brush. Now I really want to try the Expert Face Brush. It's supposed to be great for foundation.

YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick in #001 Nude Beige: This lipstick is creamy. Too creamy? It's too early to pass judgement. The color is a beautiful pinkish-nude, and the packaging is luxe, to say the least. It's a great match for my NARS Fantasia Lipliner Pencil.

Phew! That was a lot. I'm very excited to get better acquainted will all of these products, and I'll definitely keep you posted on what I'm crazy about and what is underwhelming. Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments. Until next time! Xx

Heaven in a Jar?

Light blue sky, fluffy white clouds, pure bliss; these are the makings of heaven, right? Well, it's no coincidence that this small blue jar from Clinique holds my own personal Utopia. I was never one for night creams. My daily lotion worked just fine for me, and my oily skin certainly didn't need any extra moisture. But as the months grew cold and the air became dry, I noticed some flaky patches around my eyes and mouth. Cue this little bit of heaven! Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer (whew, that's a mouthful) is rich, creamy, and dreamy!

I purchased this cream from Nordstrom for $46.50 USD, which I consider to be a reasonable price for a night cream. When I asked the salesgirl if this product was oil-free, she responded, "nothing is oil-free." Huh? A quick glance at the packaging informed me that this product is indeed oil-free (a necessity for my rather oily skin), and made me raise an eyebrow at the less-than-informed employee. But enough negativity! I've been using this cream for almost three weeks, and the difference is more than noticeable. My skin looks brighter, smoother, and the pre-wrinkles (is that a real term? If not, TM that son of a gun!) on my forehead are much softer. Clinique products have always worked wonders for me, and this little gem is no exception. The box states that this is for "very dry to combination oily" skin, and I truly believe it will suit all skin types. If you're looking for a night cream for the winter months, or need a little more moisture year round, I'd give this a try.

The texture is to die for!

Have you changed your skincare routine to accommodate the winter weather? Have you tried this this heavenly cream? If not, what's your favorite night cream? Leave comments below! Xx

I'm a Jerk.

Yes, I'm a big jerk because every once in a while I promise to get back on the blogging wagon, and while I stay on said wagon for a couple of weeks, I always fall back off. Blame work, blame school, blame laziness, whatever. The point is, I solemnly swear to blog (OFTEN!) again. Maybe it's because I have a ton of new, fun stuff I'd love to share, or maybe it's because nothing beats autumn/winter beauty and fashion. So here it is, my declaration that Valley of the Dolls is (really...no slacking this time) back in business. Just give me a few hours to get things together for you. ;)

Xx

Fashion's Night Out!

Watch this amazing spot for Fashion's Night Out, featuring a TON of great celebrities. You can visit http://fashionsnightout.com for more info on the event, which takes place on September 6th.

Oh how I've missed you, Pureology!

My hair is fairly simple. Straight, normal texture, but lots of it. Sure, it's frustrating that it won't hold a style past 3 o'clock, but it's my hair and I like it. I've used almost every product line ever: L'Oréal Professionnel, Bumble & bumble, Shu Uemura, you name it. I've found products I like, products I hate, and everything in the middle, but nothing really compares to Pureology. Pureology is a 100% vegan (not that that's something I'm totally concerned about...terrible, I know), sulfate-free line that's all about color care. I used to use Pureology years ago when I worked at my old salon (and before I really knew how to maximize my own hair's potential), and I think I really took it for granted back then. Thankfully, I've been able to get a hold of it recently, and I am so happy I did. Pureology really is an amazing line. I've tried the Hydrate line and I like it, but I prefer to use the Pure Volume shampoo and Essential Repair conditioner every time I wash my hair. It feels sooo luxurious and smells amazing (the conditioner smells like vacation in a bottle). I've recently purchased the Colour Stylist AntiSplit Blowdry cream and the Silk Bodifier. I haven't used the mousse yet (I'll let you know when I do), but the blow-dry cream is simply fabulous. Not too sticky or too oily, and it makes my blowout look sleek and healthy. Pureology is a little bit on the pricier side, but I promise you, it's totally worth it. To find the Pureology collection that's right for your own hair type, check out the website here.

There's really nothing like a good hair day, right? Have you used Pureology before? If not, what line do you prefer? Leave comments below! Happy weekend everyone! Xx

Song of the Day

¡Bienvenido a Miami!

Well actually, adios Miami! After a particularly wonderful weekend in Miami, I am forced to face the reality that is damp and dreary Detroit. All that remains is my semi-decent tan and peeling forehead. Ah well, as least I have some pictures to remind me of that Florida sun. Take a looksie, and let's all close our eyes and pretend we are on a beach somewhere!

You'd think we were going to Miami for four months!

Weird yet super-comfortable harem pants brought to you by H&M.

The view of the bay from our room at the Fontainebleau.

News Cafe!

It's everywhere!

Adrienne, Menka and I at Louis Lounge.

 Yes, that's an Inglot! After hearing so much about the brand, my heart skipped a beat when I spotted an Inglot Store at Aventura Mall. I instantly fell in love with the super-pigmented eyeshadows and lipsticks, but alas, I controlled my impulses and left with only one eyeshadow duo. I'll do a separate post on the eyeshadow, so you can see the color and texture.

Dear Miami, I will miss you so. I can't wait until my next adventure, but I will be prepared with SPF 3,000,000 to avoid my third degree burns. Xx

Wahhh.

Still no computer. What a nightmare! :(

Quelle horreur!

Yuckity yuck. If any of my lovely readers have been wondering where the heck I've been, I had real, legit excuses, I swear! I have had one of the busiest semesters ever while in college, so any time not in school or at work or pouring over a paper at 3 AM, I have been trying (and failing) to catch some beauty sleep. School ends in just a few precious weeks, so I'll be back at it, I promise.

Oh, and lest I forget, I suffered a major technological setback over the last two weeks. My computer has been acting super wonky lately, and after bringing it to the Apple store, I was forced to install a new hard drive. Thankfully, all of my files were salvaged, but the issue isn't really resolved and I'll need to bring it in for some more repairs. I had some posts lined up that will have to wait until I fix all of the little bugs.

Thank you for being patient with me, as always, and I hope everyone is enjoying their spring so far. And now I leave you with the musical stylings of Duck Sauce (good mood music, people!).

Xx, Angela

DIY - Trench Coat Makeover

I've always loved the idea of a classic trench, but a $1500 Burberry trench seems a little science fiction/fantasy right now. I found a simple trench coat (I can't even remember where now) about two years ago and have loved it to pieces, but I feel like with the sketchiness that is Michigan weather I rarely wear it! Also, even though the trench was cute as pie, I hated the buttons on it. They looked like giant silver UFOs. This weekend's mini-DIY project was to replace the buttons on my coat. I picked some military-style buttons up at Jo-Ann Fabric for around two dollars a piece, and replaced (okay, I lied...my grandmother replaced. I can't sew to save my life!) all of the buttons. Viola, a brand new coat for less than twenty dollars!

The dunce that I am, I forgot to take before pictures. :( But below you can see what the before buttons looked like (blech!) and the replacements. Maybe if the weather chills out a little (it was 80 something degrees today! In March! In Michigan!!) I can wear the dang thing and post some photos.

See what I mean about the UFOs??

So there you have it! Have you given any of your favorite pieces mini-makeovers? Any DIY projects you want to start? Leave comments below! Xx

Song of the Day

Pastel Perfection

I don't want to pat myself on the back or anything, but....I called pastels being huge for spring like, waaay back in September. Or maybe it was in October. Come to think of it, it was probably after Paris Fashion Week. So I really didn't predict anything. But I was a big supporter of this trend, trust me! I think this image served as my initial introduction:

Jessica Biel, looking all chic and fabulous at Paris Fashion Week. And now, we're seeing the ad campaign for Louis Vuitton featuring the same creamy goodness.

So as spring quickly approaches (well for Michiganders, at least. Winter seems nonexistent over here.), pastels are resurfacing and I'm getting all giddy. Below, my interpretation and foray into the trend that'll have you feeling like an Easter Egg (i.e. just as pretty and sought after, ha ha!).

Pastel Perfection by atrpcevski3 featuring party dresses

Prada Fall 2012 Menswear Collection

Just in time to feed my growing Prada obsession (more on that later), Prada's Fall 2012 Menswear Collection featured a star-studded runway show. Being the celebrity-obsessed nerd that I am, I loved the idea of placing actors on the catwalk. And what amazing odds for me, they were some of my favorite Hollywood men! Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, Garrett Hedlund, Emile Hirsch, Jamie Bell, Adrien Brody and Willem Dafoe looked fierce in military-inspired menswear. To see the collection in its entirety, visit style.com's in-depth look.

Celebrities as models: good idea or runway joke? I personally think it's great! Let me know what you think in the comments! Xx

Photos from The Fashionist 

Golden Globes Beauty - 2012

Well, well, well...it seems like award season has snuck up on us once again. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was fawning over Emma Stone's peachy perfection at the 2011 Golden Globes! This year, I'm pleased to say that there were more hits than misses; I thought everyone looked beautiful, minus a few dim stars (I'm talking to you, Angelina. Christmas was a month ago; why are you dressed like Mrs. Claus? I expected more from you!). It was hard to narrow down the best: Charlize Theron (her dress! that headband!), Kristen Wiig, Viola Davis, Michelle Williams...the list goes on and on. My absolute favorites were Jessica Chastain, Julianne Moore, and Kate Beckinsale.

Jessica Chastain is the next big thing, I'm telling you! Besides her amazing acting talent, she is a true beauty. Everything about this look was perfection: the oversize pearls, her hair's soft sweep back, the dusty rose lips. Understated but completely glamorous, Jessica Chastain shows that you don't need to overdo it to stand out. For a similar look, try Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Coco Ravish.

Kate Beckinsale is a real glamazon. Here, she's bronzy, radiant, and dripping in sparkle. Those earrings are to die for! This look pairs a bronze smokey eye with a light pink gloss. Her blush is tawny and placed under her cheekbones for lots of definition. Her hair is loose but elegant. This look is soft without sacrificing sexy. If you'd like to try this look, I suggest NARS Blush in Douceur.

Last (but certainly not least) is Julianne Moore, who I firmly believe can do no wrong, ever. Her fair skin is flawless and stunning, and her red hair is the most amazing color. I love how the jade green earrings compliment her Chanel gown. Like the other stars in this review, Julianne Moore's beauty is not overdone but still makes a huge impact. She's got a rose blush on the apple of her cheeks, a natural sheen on her lips, and lots and lots of dark lashes to intensify her green eyes. If you know me, you know I looove dark, smoky lashes. If you do too, why not try Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara.

Well there you have it, my top picks for the 2012 Golden Globes. Did you watch the broadcast, or see any photos online? If so, let me know what your favorite looks were! Xx

Photos from Getty Images and AP Photo

Maybelline Baby Lips

I am such a sucker for advertising and packaging, it's sick really. I see something in a magazine and I think, "Wow! I need that," even when I don't need it at all. I kept hearing about Maybelline Baby Lips balm and reading about it in magazines, so of course my natural instinct is that I need it, I must have it, I can't live without it. This is one of those times where I was pleasantly surprised.

I have tried every lip balm under the sun, and usually they work just fine, but this winter, my lips have been chapped and flaky and allover gross. I've been using some Nivea balm that really just doesn't thrill me. My lipstick has been looking ridiculous because my lips were in such poor condition. I picked up Maybelline Baby Lips at Target for less than three dollars, and instantly my lips felt better. It claims to take four weeks for full lip recovery, but I can feel a difference in only one night. If you're like me and suffer horrible dry lips, I fully recommend this balm.

Oh, and Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a fabulous evening last night, and I hope you all have an even better 2012 filled with love, happiness, and health. Lots of fun stuff coming up in the New Year, I'm very excited about it all! Have a great day. Xx