OPI Fall 2011 Collection: Touring America

Corals and navy and grey, OH MY! Along with the exciting news that OPI has added three new colors to their Shatter Line (Blue, Navy and Turquoise, just to fill you in), they’ve also launched their fall collection entitled “Touring America” which includes 12 new shades inspired and named after American cities and the cultural heritage that distinguishes them. Sooooo excited to try them all out.

According to OPI’s Executive VP & Artisitic Director, Suzi-Weiss-Fischmann, a “recent road trip across the country sparked the creation of the Touring America Collection. This collection will take women around the world on the ultimate tour across the USA, with stops in Baltimore, Clarksdale, Hollywood, Jackson Hole, Memphis, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis, and Tucson."

I’ll be honest, though I’ve travelled to a lot of cities in America, there are a few places in this collection that I haven’t experienced and it’s making me want to purchase the colors even more. Check out these pics…

From left to right: Roadhouse Blues, I Brake For Manicures, Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window and Honk If You Love OPI

From left to right: My Address is "Hollywood", Color to Dine For, Are We There Yet? and I Eat Mainley Lobsters

From left to right: A-Taupe the Space Needle, Suzi Takes the Wheel, Get in the Expresso Lane and French Quarter for Your Thoughts

As you all know, I am a huge sucker for neutrals, greys and navy polishes, so this collection is right up my ally. Can’t wait to start building my own “Touring America” collection at home.

For more information, check out the OPI website and click on Touring America.

XO

Extensions vs. Natural Hair Growth

Ever since Allan proposed, I've been thinking non-stop about my hair.  See, the dilemma is, as I'm sure it is for most brides-to-be, is deciding how to style your hair for that big day.  Since my hair is rather short right now, I figured there weren't many options BUT the more I searched I realized this may not be the case.

About two months ago, I decided to start growing my hair into a cute chin-length bob with blunt cut bangs.  However, since hair typically only grows a 1/2 inch per month, I know my hair will not be long enough by next September.  So, I've been looking into other options...

Permanent Hair Extensions

I am loving this option the most BUT it doesn't like my pocketbook one bit.  My sister, who is an amazing stylist in Calgary, quoted me just over $600 for the HAIR ALONE to do the extensions I wanted (and those aren't even the long ones) and the hair only lasts about 6 months.  After that, you have to go through the process again...

Weaved Hair Extensions

Another permanent type of extension that is significantly less money.  With this option, the hair is styled into little braids and the extensions are then sewn into the braids.  Downfall with this type is that it can pull the scalp quite significantly and I've heard that the braids can also loosen easily.  But this option is more than half the price of the extensions above.

Clip-In Extensions

This might be my favorite option EXCEPT for the fact that I need to grow my hair (without texturizing or even trimming it) for a good five months before I'd be able to use them.  Plus, I have no idea how they work or if I'd spend the money and find out my hair is too thick to even wear them.  I must say though, I love the price of the clip-ins a lot more than the permanent extension option.  I mean, you can get an amazing full set for just under $200.  

Natural Hair Growth

Sigh, as much as I love my short funky hair, I really do miss styles like this.  Or, even being able to wear a ponytail....Ha, I know right?  I miss the ponytail the most.  The cool thing about natural hair growth is when it finally gets to the length you want, it's probably one of the most rewarding things ever.  Since I am extremely impatient, I will definitely be boosting my intake of Vitamin E, A, B and downing tons more eggs (as all are natural products that promote healthy hair and stimulate hair growth.)  Either way, maybe growing my hair naturally and using clip-in extensions on occasion may be the way to go.

So, if anyone has any tips or tricks about hair growth, have had hair extensions OR use clip-in extensions currently, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts.

XO

Joe Fresh Over-The-Knee Suede Boots, You're Finally Mine!

So I realize that I've been buying a lot of Joe Fresh Beauty/Clothes the past little while but I LOVE the line so much.  Not only is everything inexpensive but it's remarkably fantastic quality!  Anyway, as almost everyone knows (since I've been talking about it so much) over-the-knee boots have been on my fall wishlist.  Because I have larger calves (I like to blame all the ballet I've done for that), finding boots can be a bit of a challenge.  However, on a recent trip to the Joe Fresh boutique shop AND the States, I've found two amazing pairs (plus a few other things)..

Are these not adorable???  So, get this, they're real leather/suede, actually come all the way over my knee and only cost $89.  God, I love Joe Fresh.

These boots were an impulse buy because they only cost $20.  Yes, I said it, 20 bucks.  Whenever I go to Seattle, I always make it a point to go to Ross.  I know, it's a super cheap store and you have to spend loads of time digging through endless piles of clothes to find something good, but these boots fit me perfectly and I love that they're grey.  Such a good bargain.

This purse also came from Ross.  I should probably say that I'm not a label-snob and don't usually like GUESS bags as they're a bit too flashy for me but when I saw this one, it completely changed my mind.  I love this brown tote and the fact that it only cost $39.99 (instead of the usual $130) means I couldn't go wrong.

Last but not least, the cutest bike/ballerina necklace ever.  I ordered this through Etsy and picked it up from a mailbox I rent in the States.  I should say that it only cost me $5 (including shipping) and knew it was made for me when I saw the bike (Allan's favorite hobby) and a ballerina (ballet is my first love) combined on one vintage-y looking necklace.  I have been wearing it ever since I picked it up last weekend..

The fact that I found two pairs of over the knee boots has literally made me sooooo happy.  Sigh, I can't wait for fall so I can actually wear them

xo

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My First Encounter With The Cosmetics Company Store

Finding new cosmetic shops and brands is, by far, one of the most fun things ever.  So when a girlfriend described The Cosmetics Company Store to me, I was completely blown away.  You mean there's a shop that sells premium brands for less???  I knew I had to seek this place out.

On a recent trip to the states, I made my way to the Premium Outlet Shops in Washington where I knew there was The Cosmetics Company Store.  As soon as I discovered the shop, I ran in and realized I was in beauty product heaven.  Their walls were covered with everything from Clinique, Lancome, Calvin Klein, MAC and even Bobbi Brown for about 25% off the normal retail price.  And to think I only purchased two items:

I purchased the Bobbi Brown Denim & Rose Palette and the MAC Hocus Focus Colorful Face Kit.  As soon as I saw the denim palette I knew I had to get it.  (It's been on my wishlist for quite some time...)

So cute right? This adorable denim pouch contains 4 eye shadows, 1 blush, 2 lip glosses and 2 lipsticks.  Plus it combines all my favorite makeup colors: greys, pinks, blues and bronzes.  I purchased this for $42 instead of the usual $60.

The next item is the MAC Hocus Focus Blush Kit.  Now, I'll be honest, I'm not usually a fan of MAC products because I find their products to be rather overpriced and the quality not as good as it should be.  However, when I saw this little blush kit, I fell in love right away.  It contains 1 soft pink blush and 2 shimmer blushes in a coral and gold.  I got this one for $26.75 instead of the usual $38.

I would definitely say that my first visit to the Cosmetics Company Store was a success.  I can't wait to go back!!  Have you tried either of these products before?  If so, what are your thoughts?

XO

Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Fuchsia: It's Finally Mine!!

Ever since I saw Elisha Cuthbert on the cover of the July issue of FLARE magazine sporting this JOE Fresh Fuchsia lipstick, I've wanted to get some for myself.  However, every Superstore I visited was completely sold out.  Seriously, EVERY location I checked was out!  ( And I checked almost everywhere....)

Imagine my excitement when I walked into Superstore on Sunday afternoon and found it hiding among the other lipsticks.  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.  I bought it, ran home and immediately coated my lips.

Look how bright and fun this color is!!!  Plus, this pic is with me wearing only one coat and without any lip liner.  (Not too bad for a $6 lipstick, right?)

I am loving this shade because it adds a perfect punch of color to any outfit PLUS it looks fabulous with very minimal makeup.  Another reason this lipstick is great is because it's matte.  It goes on very smooth and keeps your lips nice and moisturized without being glossy.

If you're on the hunt for a great fuchsia lip color AND can find it in stores, I highly recommend checking this one out.  Seriously, it's so great that the next time I find it in a Superstore I'm going to buy all the tubes I find.....ha.

XO