The Frugal Fashionista - Spending Less to Look Great

Lauren Conrad: Easy Spring Style by redlipgloss featuring a boyfriend tank top

I love Lauren Conrad's look in this picture.  Her whole outfit embodies comfy chic in the best possible way.  Love the leggings with the tan suede boots (my favorite) and an oversize boyfriend sweater.  The MAIN difference between Lauren and me, aside from the obvious, are our budgets.

See, I just can't spend heaps of money on clothes or accessories anymore.  Yes, I do still spend the majority of my extra funds on makeup BECAUSE that's my thing but that also means there's less in the budget for clothes, shoes and accessories.  It's a game sometimes to find the best articles of clothes that cost the least amount.

The Frugal Fashionista by redlipgloss featuring red earrings

I created this set using items that were ALL priced below $50.  I am loving tote bags right now (more on this later) and love all types of suede looking boots and booties.  PLUS, these distressed girlfriend jeans are gorgeous and available at your local H&M.  Look at that little suede tan skirt and black kimono.  So cute.  Also, one of my go-to fragrances, BCBG Max Azaria, is on sale for $19.99.  AMAZING steal.

This, my friends, is the tote bag I'm obsessed with.  It's from a brand called the Whipping Post and it's made using 100% vegetable tanned leather.  It also carries a price tag of $195 USD.  It's amazing though.

This bag is cute too AND a pretty good shaped dupe for the Whipping Post bag of my dreams.  It's by Street Level and this bag reverses into a tan bag as well.  All for the low price of $49 from American Eagle Outfitters.

See, looking great doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, you just have to be a saavy shopper.  What are some of your favorite purchases that didn't stretch the budget?

    

Sun, Sand and Surf - Red Lip Gloss on Vacation

Guess where we're going for vacation at the end of this week?  If the tacos, enchiladas and guacamole aren't hints enough, we're going to MEXICO!  We can't wait to see the sun, the beach and introduce Benjamin to the ocean.

I am usually the best packer, especially for a 2 week trip away from home.  I would usually only bring a carry-on suitcase.  However, packing for yourself AND a baby means that you take the largest suitcase you can find and fill it with every possible thing a baby could need and then throw in your couple bathing suits, if there's any room left over for yourself.  Despite having very little room, I have managed to put in a couple cute items.

First, we're going to Puerto Vallarta for 11 days and this is a picture of the actual resort we'll be staying at.  What's even better is our amazing friends will be joining us on this adventure.  YAY.

When it comes to dressing on vacation, I practically live in my bikinis and sarongs or a lightweight bathing suit cover.  I've pretty much only packed items like this,

Plus, I don't have much room in the suitcase for anything else!!  Ha.

We can't wait to go on holidays.  As of this Saturday, we'll be off enjoying Mexico and lounging by the water.  Woohoo

    

The Perfect Fall Outfits: Polyvore

The temperature is starting to drop and the air is feeling slightly more crisp.  To me, and every other woman out there, this means fall is just around the corner.

Fall happens to be my favorite season and I think I can say that it's most women's favorite as well.  I say this because it's time for leggings, scarves, boots and sweaters, oh my.  There is nothing a gal loves more than to find the perfect pair of knee-high boots or that fabulous pair of leggings that make your bum look oh so great (Lululemon, anyone?).  Sigh, I love fall.

I was perusing Polyvore today and stumbled on so many gorgeous outfits that I couldn't wait to show them to you.  Are these not perfect for fall?

BF.Cable knit sweater. by yexyka featuring sketch pencils

Fall Tartan by coolmommy44 featuring a beige shirt

~ Fall day ~ Love you Rainie ♥♥♥ by berina-2000 featuring scented candles

Got that FALL Feeling by coolmommy44 featuring a round scarf

My Fall Love by rusinn featuring a long sleeve jumper

fall photoshoot- 2015 by emmig02 featuring cashmere scarves

I Love Fall by rusinn featuring ugg® australia boots

This last printed sweater in this set is just gorgeous!  What do you think glossers?  Would you wear these looks?

    

The Bold Look of Floral

The Bold Look of Floral by redlipgloss 

A long time ago, back when I was in high school, I thought floral prints were passe.  Truly, my mom would try to make me wear them and I would run out of the house screaming because, according to me, floral prints were not cool.

However, now that I'm in my 30's, I realize how amazing floral prints really are.  And not only floral prints but anything containing a flower is also cool.  I am loving the look of floral scarves, heels and even floral purses.

Guess my mom was right, all those years ago.

What is your favorite (albeit SECRET) trend?

    

Lips, Cheeks, and Eyes, Oh My: Mad About Pink

Mad About Pink by redlipgloss 

I am mad about pink right now!  Since having Benjamin, my entire makeup routine has had to change as I have virtually no time to make myself "up".  Instead, I've been trying to find ways to keep the routine quick, simple and look polished without having to touch up during the day.  My go-to colors?? Pink!  Not only do they look beautifully subtle but they look great even if you're tanned.

Some of my favorite products are:

Dior Glowing Color Powder Blush
Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Candy Pink
Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick Compact (amazing!)
Stila Custom Color Blush (color changing blush that creates your perfect color pink)
MAC Cremesheen
NARS Blush in Desire
Too Faced Full Bloom Ultra Flush Blush
Maybelline's The Blushed Nudes Palette

What are your go-to colors to wear during the day?

    

Get Summer Hair Ready - Hair Prep 101

Summer Hair Prep by bamaannie 

Is your hair ready for summer?

Everyone's hair routine is completely different, especially for summer, but if there is anything  I can share it's called CONDITIONING.

Deep conditioning, especially in the summer, is the best thing you can do because your hair is naturally going to dry out due to the sun.  By increasing the moisture in your hair, you can prevent breakage, overdrying, and even split ends.

Another tip, STOP shampooing!  Not permanently of course, but try to limit your shampooing to twice a week.  Instead of shampooing, try conditioning only.  Your hair will feel like a million bucks, I swear.

What are some of your favorite summer hair tips??

    

A Nursery Glimpse: Elephants Galore

Allan and I finished painting the nursery and the new carpets have been installed.  I painted Benjamin's dresser this weekend and later this week we will be setting up the crib.

Sigh, so much work BUT one of the most rewarding things we've ever done.

Here's a glimpse into our nursery style.

Benjamin's Upcoming Nursery by redlipgloss 

The walls are painted a beautiful grey and the furniture will be a brilliant white.  Accents of yellow, turquoise and navy blue will be scattered throughout the room, all the while maintaining the elephant theme.  I can't wait to take pictures of the finished product for you!!

    

Making Waves: Items Needed for the Perfect Beach Day

Making Waves by redlipgloss 

Allan and I leave for Sayulita, Mexico in 3 days and we are both so excited to be getting away from the daily grind and seeing our old pal, the Sun, again.

We've both learned so much about packing for trips (mainly me, as Allan has always been a better packer) that we've only packed a carry-on bag, each, for our 8 days in Mexico.  Gone are the days of paying $75 for an overweight bag at the airport!!

This collage features all the items you need for the perfect day at the beach: The Gnarly Whale's Thai Coconut Beach Waves Salt Spray, a Maaji reversible bikini (any one will do as they are the absolute best bathing suits you will purchase), your favorite sarong, a pair of Sanuk flip-flops (the best ever) and Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo.

I can honestly say there are only three little things missing from this list: One, your favorite book, two, a lip gloss and three, a sunscreen.  Place all these items in a beach bag and you are good to go!

What are your must-haves for the perfect day at the beach???

PS - Remember to tune in to the blog on February 2 for Red Lip Gloss' FIRST EVER Blog Sale!

    

Style Inspiration: Blake Lively

I cried the day my skinny jeans wouldn't do up.  Honestly, I know how silly that sounds but I was truly upset.  Two weeks ago, I had to buy my first (two) pairs of skinny maternity jeans and I almost had a conniption fit in the dressing room.  I didn't understand the sizing and the big panel at the top of the jeans scared me.

And then I put them on....

And realized how great they truly are.  Not only are they unbelievably comfortable but you no longer need to suck your tummy in when walking around.  I even got to buy the same size that I usually am in non-maternity jeans.  I've realized how absolutely in love with them I am and am still not to sure if I will ever go back to non-maternity jeans....I'm quite undecided.

Blake Lively is stunning normally but, pregnant, she is a rare gem.  Her bohemian flare has not dissipated since being pregnant and I can truly say that her pregnancy style is my inspiration.  Now, if only I had the money to shop where she shops.....

    

Winter Pregnancy Glow by redlipgloss featuring lips makeup

Quiz cape coat
29 CAD - houseoffraser.co.uk

MERONA Jordyn Slvls Ruffle Top
23 CAD - target.com

H&M MAMA Skinny Jeans
45 CAD - hm.com

H&M dark brown booties
45 CAD - hm.com

Chloé leather hobo shoulder bag
370 CAD - therealreal.com

Green pendant
32 CAD - etsy.com

NARS Cosmetics lips makeup
43 CAD - liberty.co.uk

    

A Chanel Christmas!

A Chanel Christmas by redlipgloss featuring a little black dress

I was asked the other day about Christmas time, fashion and how to mix the two together by a great friend of mine the other day.  And it really got me thinking about what my ideal Christmas outfit would be.  To be honest, these photos above are pretty close to my "perfect" holiday style (should I ever be extremely rich...).  

So, I guess my response to B would be this: Christmas is a great time to pull off anything sparkly. OR, for a more subdued approach, pair a sparkly item with a neutral.  For me, a neutral would be black as there is nothing sexier than a gorgeous black dress, sparkly drop earrings, stand-out bright heels and a gorgeous shiny clutch.  To me, this is what makes the season sparkle!

What is your go-to Christmas outfit ladies? 

XO Christina

To Make Your Season Bright: Christmas Must-Haves (Part 1)

My Christmas Must-Haves by redlipgloss featuring christmas sweaters

Adele Is A Beauty

Adele is a beauty by redlipgloss featuring satchel bags

So not only is she a talented songstress, a style guru and a makeup aficionado but Adele is absolutely jaw-dropping gorgeous!  I love women that have the confidence to wear, or look, whatever and however they feel and Adele does this to a tee.  The best part is though Adele is a huge star, she doesn't feel the need to change herself for anything nor does she hide her voluptuous figure.  Honestly, this is a lesson we should all take from her book.  (Ahem, love ourselves no matter what...)

Now, being the makeup junkie I am, I just have to comment on her flawless complexion.  Man, what I would give for even one hour to hang with her.  I would definitely ask her what her skin care regimen is....ha.

XO Christina