A full face from the drugstore.

Maybe it was my enforced cutting-back, maybe it was all that Cover Girl product in my face on ANTM, but lately I've been experimenting with drugstore makeup brands and have, for the most part, been satisfied. In a couple of cases, even impressed. Here's how I have been creating my (almost) full face with drugstore products, none of which cost more than $12.99.

Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup, SPF15

This foundation is sheer, light, and of course, blendable. It comes in a little bottle with a simple cap (no extravagant packaging), and is easy to apply with your finger.

Eyeliner: Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner.

After years of racoon eyes from Clinique products, I experimented to see exactly what was running down my face. After trying this eyeliner, I blame the Clinique. This goes on easily, is removed relatively easily, applies well, and stays put all day. The Brownish Black color is good for day or night.

Lips: CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain.

This stain really does stay put, and I found a delightful berry-red color. It lasts a super long time and doesn't really rub off. One caveat: if your lips are chapped or dry, this stain will fade unevenly. Also, you have to apply it exactly where you want it - this doesn't blend or smudge. So trace carefully!

As for everything else, in the spirit of using what I've got, I've been maintaining my Clinique mascara. I've also been LOVING, absolutely loving, benefit's Highbeam liquid highlighter. A little on the brows and tops of the cheekbones, and it wakes up your whole face and makes you look totally fresh. Use highlight with mascara and gloss, and you're basically done. For cheeks, I've been sticking with my benetint, which is only half empty a year after I bought it (or half full?).

So try some drugstore brands. Seems like they've gotten better since our high school days. And if anyone is even checking this blog anymore, thanks for reading! More to come, for sure!

Cheers,

Hayley

Should I buy?

Navajo sandals?

As my Italian holiday is drawing more near, I am taking stock of my wardrobe and also being tempted by post-July 4th sales. Thirdly, I am also trying to conserve cash so I have plenty of it to dispose of while on vacation.

However... these adorable sandals, which were a fave of Jackie O, are something I've considered for a while. They are chic, seem comfortable... and are also a bit pricey at around $95 for a pair. I have been eyeing metallic ones on the interwebs for a week or two now, and am completely on the fence.

The prep inside me says, "Buy them! These will be your answer to the ubiquitous flip flops and gladiator sandals in America and beyond! They will last for years, and are a classic!"

The frugal chick inside me says, "You have brown VV flops, white Born flops, red kitten-heel sandals, wedges and strappy heeled sandals. You have enough shoes. They are too expensive right now, when you will only get another 2 months out of them, max."

What do you think, girls?

• First off, do you go with Jack Rogers or Bonannos?
• Are they all they're cracked up to be?
• Will they allow me to spend hours sight-seeing in relative comfort?
• Do they dress up AND down?
• How long has your pair lasted?
  

Thanks for the help!
Hayley

Summer Top Ten

OK, two posts on warm weather within a week of each other, and a snowstorm predicted for tonight. Can you tell I'm sick of winter?

I relish living in the northeast because of the seasons. I love the autumn leaves, the winter wonderland snow, the spring thaw, and best of all, the mid-May warm-up. There's no comparison to that first day on which the air is clear, the sun is warm, there's a light breeze, no humidity, and you head outside to your car, realizing on the way that you don't need it. You toss it in the back seat, and drive to work with the windows open, feeling a natural breeze on your arms for the first time since October.


The iced coffees become appealing again, we start to eat lighter, and life gets a little lighter. And of course, our clothes change. But the change isn't only in weight and coverage; everyone's style gets a little more laid-back in the warmer months. Somehow structure and trendiess feel right in fall and winter. But in the spring and summer, the materials are lighter, the cuts are more relaxed, and I personally move away from the trends for a bit and go for the classics.

The classic clothing I wear in spring and summer hasn't changed much from what I wore growing up, since I always go for my favorite staples that feel light, keep me cool and have staying power for several seasons. Keeping up with trends is an activity I use in the winter to keep me interested in getting dressed beyond avoiding hypothermia, and it goes well with the edginess of the seasons. But once late April hits, I'm all about the basics.

In recently moving and taking stock of my wardrobe, I realized I'll need to replace a few of these. So I'm making a list of my ten favorite options for spring and summer, and I'll keep an eye out for spring preview sales and coupons as opportunities to buy them. Buying out of season usually gets you a great deal, and making lists keeps you from making too many impulse purchases.

1) 3/4-sleeve Oxford shirts. Definitely white, probably a pink and a blue also, definitely the Horse. Soft cotton, comfortable structure and a classic look.

Ralph Lauren Solid Cotton Oxford, $89


2) Fresh polos. Short-sleeved, two-button, collars down. Navy, light pink, hot pink, sky blue, yellow, kelly green, red, black, white, orange - check. Looking for: light green, royal blue, maroon. Definitely some of the Horse, maybe a Lilly thrown in. Absolutely no A&F.

Lilly Pulitzer Rugby Stripe Polo, $68


3) Linen pants. Got white, would like beige. Traditional Easter - Labor Day rules apply.

Robert Rodriguez linen pants, $119.99


4) White linen/cotton/eyelet skirts. Never work appropriate, but a great jeans substitute for a night out. Pair with a polo or deep-V tee and flops for a casual look.

Alvin Valley Cotton Miniskirt, $99.99


5) Solid sundresses. Florals are fine, and I've got black linen. This summer I'm looking into everything linen, solid navy, green and pink.

White House | Black Market Drapeneck Cotton Dress, $148


6) Long-sleeve tissue tees. The best coverup on the boat - sun coverage without warmth.

J.Crew Perfect Fit Tissue Tee, $24.50


7) Tailored chino shorts. Modest hem (7" - 3" at the least), neutral colors. To wear with Oxfords, polos, tanks...

J. Crew Twill 5" shorts, $39.50


8) Denim jacket. To wear on weekends when the sun goes down.

American Eagle Vintage Denim Jacket, $49.99


9) Twill skirts. Dress up for work, down for play.

Vineyard Vines Twill Skirt, $68


10) New aviators. The $8 ones from Chinatown last maaaaybe one summer!

Kirra White Aviators, $15.50

Cheers to summer - only five months away!
Hayley

The Best of Knee-High Boots

As you've surely noticed by now, we are at the beginning of the best sale time of the year: post-Christmas January sales. Every year, promptly on December 26th (or even late-night on Christmas), stores have huge markdowns on the majority of their merchandise. The beauty of this sale is the timing: we have gifts in the wrong size to exchange, gift cards burning a hole in our clutches, and a month of "do unto others" that has made us crazy to buy for ourselves. But best of all, these stores are clearing their shelves of products that will continue to serve us for a solid three more months. Maybe four, if you live further north than Massachussetts.

One sale I indulged today was at DSW Shoe Warehouse, and after going in for a pair of knee-high boots, and practicing restraint the greatness of which I haven't since my hot ex called me for a "let's catch up" drink, I walked out with a great pair of Frye knee-high, chestnut side-buckle boots with a 2" heel, as well as a pair of sweet, gray suede round-toe pumps with a heel stripe detail, all for $178.

The store had a huge selection of excellent shoes, so if you live near one, I recommend you go. Mostly I lusted over the dozens of knee-high boots I tried. They keep your shins and calves warm, they keep your tootsies dry, they add sexiness to skirts and dresses, and instantly dress up jeans and leggings. Were I a kept woman, I would have walked out with 10 pairs, easily. But for now, here are my favorite knee-high boots, on sale, and perhaps there is room in your closet for a pair or two. But there ain't no room in mine.

Apres-Ski Special

Baker's, Sedona, $69.99

Streamlined and Sophisticated

Baker's, Olivia, $69.99

Versatile and Cool
Nine West, Miley, $119.99




For the Office

JCrew, Long Rivington Leather Boot, $109.99

Extra-High, Extra-Warm

JCrew, Long Glen Brae Suede Boot, $149.99



The equestrienne

JCrew, Barkin Boot, $149.99




Best for Pants (Tucked in)

Nine West, Arti, $69.99




For nights out in the city, to wear with a miniskirt

Baker's, Alexa, $99.95

Chic and Actually Cheap: JCrew

Silk Rebecca Dress, $69.99

Silk Linen Swing Cardigan, $34.99

Roll-Collar Sabrina Dress, $49.99

Merino Ruffle Chiffon Cardigan, $49.99

Lydia Blouse, $19.99

Lizzie Driving Moccasins, $59.99

Herringbone Fiona Jacket, $89.99

Cashmere Turtleneck, $99.99

Bow Necklace Cardigan, $29.99

Aubrey Herringbone Jacket, $79.99

Chic and Actually Cheap: L.L. Bean

Leather Driving Loafers in Dark Tan, $49.95
Great for running around shopping, or when your feet hurt too much to rock heels at work. So comfy!

Quilted Riding Jacket in British Khaki, $49.95
Classic with jeans, loafers and a sweater. Even better: skinny jeans, tall leather boots and a long scarf.

Ribbon Belt in Raspberry, $8.95
At that price, grab Navy too. Versatile colors for any season, when you absolutely must wear a D-ring grosgrain ribbon belt.

Double L Cable Cardigan in Lake, $29.95
Make it more than a basic cardigan with a ruffled cami, or full tweed skirt, or leave it open and belted over the cardigan with a bright blouse underneath.

Chic and Actually Cheap: Gap

Doesn't it bother you when you read magazine titles like "Fabulous Finds Under $100!" only to find $85 belts, $99 clutches and $70 rings on the list? Don't get me wrong - I love a great accessory. But $100 for something that don't cover you hoo-ha's does not a bargain make.

Another example: Moschino Cheap and Chic. $1,000 dresses and $600 might be cheap for Anna Wintour, but for many stylish young women, those pieces are not only financially impossible but also impossible to justify.

So I'm doing my own Chic and Actually Cheap hot list, in the season of Best-ofs and Top Tens. For each of my regular shopping watering holes, I'll provide a list of great finds under $50. Almost everything is on sale now, and you can trust there will be even greater markdowns after Christmas. But what's really great is that stuff you'll continue to wear for the next three months are on sale: sweaters, jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses, and even outerwear. No need to buy out of season.

Enjoy!

Chic and Actually Cheap: Gap

European Shift Dress, $49.99
Rock the sexy secretary look by pairing this with tall, open-toe Mary Janes and a cardigan, or rock the contrasts with knee-high leather boots and a cropped leather bomber jacket.

Cropped Textured Jacket, $44.99
Wear it to work with a full skirt, wear it to happy hour with jeans, or wear it to the Met with wide-leg trousers and wire-rim glasses.

Striped Sweater Dress, $43.99
This is best worn with knee-high riding boots and teeny accessories. Let the stripes (and your beauteous curves) be the focal point.

Sheer Ruffled Blouse, $42.99
You absolutely must rock a cami under this or a sweater over this to make it work appropriate, but it'll look Paris-inspired when the blousy top is paired with a structured skirt and black tights.

Tie Neck Tank, $18.99
Beautiful and work-safe with winter-white trousers, or play it safe with black. Bare arms in winter mean you can't pull off a skirt with this top, but it's great for your company Christmas party or for the bar afterwards. Ladylike but sexy.

Button-Closure Sweater, $48
Get it done preppy-style by wearing a polo or Oxford underneath, and letting a button or two go at the bottom. I love the idea of this with a wool pencil skirt.

Get some shopping done...

At Vineyard Vines, get 20% your entire order for their Friends & Family event!

Enter "THANKS08" at checkout, and use it or lose it by December 9.

Tie one on!

Cheers,

Hayley

Run, Don't Walk!

Sephora.com is having a Friends & Family event right now, and get this girls:

20% off your entire purchase!!!

Just enter the coupon code FF2008 at checkout. Also, if you spend $50 or more, you get free shipping.

Ladies, this is THE best opportunity to stock up on your favorite Dior purfume, benefit That Gal primer, and Nars Orgasm blush. Not to mention, if you'd like to spoil your mom, sister, aunt, girlfriend, boyfriend (hey, whatever), you can get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Go now!!!
Cheers,
Hayley

PS: Thanks to Z100's morning show for sharing the code!

Hanging up the Cs for good.

I haven't found many remarkable new fashions or accessories to note here lately, and that gave me a thought.

In my shopping days of the past two years or so, my tastes have definitely changed. While in college and high school, and my early twenties, I loved a good logo-emblazoned Coach bag. I got a little kick from watching the logo pattern fly as I threw the bags onto my shoulder, and felt more stepped-up when I carried them. Even when the purses were on the arms of every prepubescent and living-beyond-their-means Bridgeport beauties, I guess the power of association with expense still made me feel a little special for having one. For a couple of years, very few non-Coach purses interested me.

Another point: Tiffany & Co. Their jewelry is exquisite, their china superb, and I will always have at least two Tiffany-style glass lamps in my dwelling. But after tallying four Tiffany necklaces, one bracelet and a pair of earrings between 2001-2004 (excluding the Return to Tiffany heart pendant on the long ball-chain - that I received for my Sweet 16 and I have had it for just about 10 years!), I have perused tiffany.com a few times over the last year, eager to find a substantial piece of jewelry, and have left the website disappointed. Honestly, how many permutations of circles, squares, locks, Roman numerals, dog tag-style pendants and balls can you work into a piece of silver before they all start to look the same? And with prices for a simple silver necklace rising almost $100 in the past five years, how do you justify it?

My label-whore days are definitely behind me. I've suspected this for a while, and I will still pay more money for great construction and quality. But I haven't seen a single item on the websites of luxury I once loved in a loooong time that I felt more than lukewarm about. Why go for a $250 1" square silver pendant on a chain, with a single T engraved on it, when I can get a unique sterling pendant at an antique store for $50, which no one else has? Why drop $398 for a leather purse emblazoned with Cs and hideous patchwork when you can grab a slouchy, classic leather two-tone hobo in Paris for EU160, which no one else has, and which is made of the most supple leather you've ever felt? Sure, the plane ticket cost $600, but the point is this: I'd much rather be complimented on personal style than on burning my plastic to carry the latest flash-in-the-pan Vuitton bag.

So below is a list of low-key items in my dresser and closet that I love, and which I feel exemplify my personal style better than any label could.

• Chinatown turquoise cocktail ring ($18 haggled down from $28). I adore turquoise in the summer, and the heaviness and size of this ring makes me want to move my fingers just to watch it. It's like the hippie-esque Lucky Brand rings you can buy at Macy's for $48. Just much better, and cheaper.
  
• Black/white and red/white houndstooth plaid summer scarves from Paris (2 for EU10). Not just because I bought them in Paris, and I was disappointed to find them in the States when I returned. But these scarves have a smooth, lightweight texture and are the perfect size and shape to be knotted in different ways. It sounds corny, but wearing them reminds me of wandering St. Germain and shopping for purses in Au Printemps.
  
• L.L. Bean Black Wool Polo Coat (approx. $200 (gift)). The long, lean shape of a polo coat is flattering on everyone, and the higher collar was a warm change from my peacoat of college. Plus, everything from Bean lasts forever. You get what you pay for there, except their $29 sweaters which are still glorious.
  
• Multicolored glass bead necklaces from a head shop in Key West ($6 each). My newest addition, these necklaces are bright, textured, and look like they could come from Spain or Mexico. They have a slight hippie vibe, but work with a blazer or a sweater, too.
  
• L.L. Bean Galway Jacket in Camel ($99). Flattering cut, high stance, three buttons, indestructible wool and a classic cut that goes with dresses, jeans and trousers.
  
• Paris purse (see above).
  
• Murano glass necklaces (approx. EU12 each (gifts)). One squarish and in green, the other blue/white marbled oval beads. They are both stunning with any neutral top or dress, were inexpensive souvenirs from family members, and for all my jewelry-hunting, I've never found anything like them at any price.
  
• Chinatown gold-tone aviators ($10). I love the sarcastic, yet chic look of aviators. When you buy them in gold-tone in the right size and shape for your face, they look lightweight, laid-back and polished. These particular glasses have survived two drunken bachelorette parties and a couple of summer barbeques. They even flew off a boat, and I managed to catch them. They must be magic.

What are your favorite low-key items?

Cheers,

Hayley

Hot New Heels from Steve Madden

Be sure to check out stevemadden.com for shoes for that upcoming wedding, cocktail party or big date. They'll make you look like sex on a stick.


In a classy way, of course.


Also, enter coupon code SAVE20* at checkout to save 20% before 9/25!

Lullaby, $89.95


Ozzy, $139.95


Vivvaa, $99.95


Sonik, $47.95



Demy, $149.95


Ensue, $229.95


Finch, $79.99


Leilana, $49.99


Lolipop, $109.95

* Coupon Code courtesy of http://www.collegefashion.net/