Winter Fashion

Dec 08

Day 8: Softlips Giveaway

Posted on: December 08, 2009 @ 6:00 am 298 Comments »

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Welcome to Day 8, where we’ve got a special limited-edition treat for you!

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“Softlips is the line of premium lip conditioners designed with skin-protecting ingredients to help keep lips soft, supple and healthy. Available in several flavor varieties, Softlips Lip Balm with SPF 20 offers superb coverage and protection from the environmental elements, as well as a healthy sheen without the heavy waxiness or stickiness of traditional lip balms.

Softlips lip conditioning balm provides a smooth feeling on the lips and is sensually pleasing with light flavors. Softlips products combine effective with protection with SPF 20 and moisturizing emollients with a sheer glossing effect, making them perfect for natural lips or adding protection/moisturizing over or under lipstick. The products are also conveniently packaged in sleek, sophisticated, slim sticks to allow women to easily tuck them into pockets, purses or make-up cases.”

Softlips are available year-round in: Mint with a Hint of Vanilla, Wildberry, Cherry, Strawberry, and Raspberry with Green Tea Extract.

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PURE flavors include: Peppermint, Acai Bery, Papaya, Honeydew, Pomegranate, and Chai Tea.

“Softlips PURE is the line of premium organic lip conditioners designed with skin-conditioning ingredients to help keep lips soft, supple and healthy. Available in several flavors, Softlips PURE is USDA-certified organic and 100% natural. The product line also contains no animal by-products and is not tested on animals.

Softlips PURE uses only pure organic oils and beeswax to help restore lip moisture and nourish the lips. The product’s other natural ingredients – natural shea butter and vitamin E – also help keep lips smooth and healthy.”

I am a long time Softlips fan, and was incredibly excited to get some of the new Softlips flavors, as well as a few of the PURE formulations, to try out. I’m crazy about scented lip products, but not the ones that smell “fake” or are too heavily scented. Softlips lip balms have the perfect amount of scent and none of the chemical tinge that I hate. The range of flavors is also really neat; I love that Softlips features the “traditional” scents (like cherry and mint) but has also branched out into some really neat additions – like the Chai Tea and Acai Berry.

The formula is just as heavenly as the scent. The balms are silky and smooth, rather than greasy. They absorb well without disappearing and leaving my lips feeling dry shortly after application. Instead, they last for hours, and work well under other lip products. I’m big on red lipstick, but ruby lips look terrible if they’re chapped. Softlips is a perfect solution!

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My latest obsession is the Softlips Limited Edition Winter Line. It features four double packs: Sugar & Spice (with Vanilla), Sugar Plum Berry (with Cherry), Winter Mint (with Vanilla), and Sugar Cookie (with Cherry). Sugar Cookie is my absolute favorite; I’m wearing it right now! They all smell amazing… and could be yours!

Softlips is going to give one lucky winner the entire Limited Edition Winter Collection, with all four brand new flavors listed above! If you want to go out and buy them today or snag some for stocking stuffers, Sugar & Spice and Sugar Plum Berry are available at Target, while Winter Mint and Sugar Cookie can be found at Walgreens. The dual packs are $3.99. Individual packs of Softlips range from $2.79 – $2.99.

Mandatory Entry: Become a fan of the Softlips Facebook Page AND tell me which Softlips flavor you’re most interested in trying. Softlips holds frequent giveaways on Facebook, and links to all the blogs that are hosting giveaways – more ways to win!

Extra Entries (Leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH):

1 Entry – Follow @ILoveSoftlips on Twitter

1 Entry – Follow @fashionablegal on Twitter

1 Entry – Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook

1 Entry – Subscribe to The Fashionable Gal via email

1 Entry (per day) – Tweet about this contest. Leave a copy per tweet with a direct link to it. Copy & paste the following:

“Win a full set of Softlips Limited Edition Winter Flavors from @IHeartSoftlips & @fashionablegal – http://tinyurl.com/ygmwayg Ends 12/20!”

1 Entry (for each) – Enter any other 12 Days Giveaway on The Fashionable Gal and/or The Fashionable Housewife.

10 Entries (leave 10 comments) – Blog about this giveaway and leave a direct link.

5 Entries – Add the 12 Days of Giveaways Button to your web page.

DETAILS: Contest runs from December 8 to December 20. Last chance to enter is 11:59 PM EST December 20. A winner will be contacted on or before Dec 31st, 2009 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to USA!

Crazy Dog Tees – Novelty, Funny, Fashionable!

Posted on: December 04, 2009 @ 8:00 am 5 Comments »

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“Hey girls we wanted you to know our funny girls t-shirts are some of the softest tees around! Both fitting and ultra comfortable you will quickly fall in love with our cool girls t shirts. Looking for a cool gift? Then stop and check out our top funny t-shirt designs funny t-shirts. The top 3 girls tee shirts are the classic girls saved by the bell t-shirt! Our line includes classic Junk Food t-shirts which are limited release tee shirts! David and goliath tees are also a large part of our line consisting of some of the softest tees and finally crooked monkey t-shirts are the newest addition with one of the sexiest fits around! You are going to want all these great girls tees at Crazy Dog T-shirt!”

Crazy Dog T-Shirts is amazing! No matter what type of tee you’re looking for, for men, women, or children, they’ve got it. The prices are as fab as the selection, with a range of $9 tees, a daily special, and reasonable pricing on the rest of the inventory. Plus, they give away a ton of merch every week – more on that later!

I love high end, stylish threads, but I have just as much fun with retro and cartoon tees. With a great pair of jeans and some cute accessories, you’re equally adorable either way! I was sent two tees for review, and I love the high quality cotton and printing. The tees are soft and comfortable, and they’re great right now under cute cardigans.

I highly recommend checking out the Men’s section for easy holiday gifts that will be appreciated and actually used! Keep your eyes peeled, as I’ll be sharing my favorite Men’s tees on our Gift Guide soon!

You can follow Crazy Dog Tee’s on Facebook and Twitter. They hold TONS of giveaways and share fun trivia, as well as updates on new tees!

China Glaze: Wizard of Ooh Ahz

Posted on: December 02, 2009 @ 8:00 am 1 Comment »

If you missed out on China Glaze’s original release of the Wizard of Oz color collection, you’ve got a second chance! The Wizard of Ooh Ahz, scheduled for Spring 2010, features six limited edition glitter polishes. Here’s a breakdown of the colors (left – right):

Ruby Pumps: Gorgeous ruby red that sparkles even more than Dorothy’s shoes!

Cowardly Lyin’: Warm, frosty gold.

The Ten Man: Beautiful silver sparkles in soft silver polish.

Dorothy Who?: Sexy sapphire.

C-c-courage: Rich, shimmering purple.

Good Witch?: Soft rose.

My nails are a mess so I don’t have swatch photos for you, but the lovely Vampy Varnish has some fab photos of her sporting these six shades. Ruby Pumps and Dorothy Who? are my favorites, as they’re both very deep, rich colors. And you know I’m all about the purple, which is right on trend for the season! The silver and gold are also on trend with the metallic rage, and I’m loving the soft pink for Spring.

I love really dark, stand out polish, so I’ve been wearing 2 – 3 coats of these lovely shades, depending on how dark the polish is to begin with. The pastel pink and metallics require more coats for a more opaque coverage.

China Glaze is not featuring the set on their website, so I’m not sure if it’s officially launched; I was sent the set for review, and to share a sneak peak with you ladies. However, it is available on Head2ToeBeauty for $17.94. You can also check out the “Loves You Snow Much” set (pictured below) that features Ruby Pumps, Tinsel, and two other festive shades.

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You can also stay updated on everything China Glaze by following them on Twitter. They’ve got great info, photos, and giveaways going on!

Day 2 – Nepali by TDM Silk Chiffon Scarf Giveaway

Posted on: December 02, 2009 @ 6:00 am 178 Comments »

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Welcome to Day 2 of our 12 Days of Christmas! Today’s giveaway is brought to you by Nepali by TDM Design; they’ve offered up a very chic silk chiffon scarf! I was lucky enough to get to pick the scarf we’re giving away, and after long deliberation, I selected the Masino Due Starry Night (pictured below). Gorgeous, yes? One lucky winner will receive the Starry Night in Gunmetal.

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“Hand-dyed silk chiffon with merino felted edges. Created in our “Starry Night” pattern and extremely light weight and the perfect width for a splash of color. Hand made in Nepal. A portion of the TDM profits go to help support the women and children of Nepal with health care and education. Approximately 30″ by 72″. Value – $145.”

“TDM creates opportunites for poverty-stricken women to generate sustainable income in Nepal. We are invested in a literacy and education campaign throughout the country. TDM’s missioni is to bring about social and economic change by allowing women to participate financially in their society. Nepali by TDM’s scarves are hand-made in Nepal from natural materials and eco-friendly, azo-free dyes.”

Nepali by TDM Design offers a beautiful range of hand-made and hand-dyed scarves in a variety of materials. Bamboo, silk, cotton, and cashmere are main elements in the line. In addition to the range of materials, Nepali has a breath-taking selection of colors. I’m particularly partial to the Basil!

If you’ve yet to finish your Christmas shopping, a beautiful scarf will make a fabulous gift for any fashionista or family member on your list. And if you haven’t filled out your accessory wardrobe this season, consider Nepali for all your neck-warming needs.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post telling me a Nepali scarf (other than the one mentioned) that you love.

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave additional comments for each):

1 Entry – Follow @fashionablegal on Twitter

1 Entry – Subscribe to Nepali’s newsletter.

1 Entry (per day) – Tweet about this contest. Leave a copy per tweet with a direct link to it. Copy & paste the following:

WIN a silk chiffon scarf from @fashionablegal and Nepali by TDM Design (ARV $145) – http://tinyurl.com/yl7ayum – Please RT!

1 Entry – Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook

1 Entry – Subscribe to The Fashionable Gal via email

DETAILS: Contest runs from December 2 to December 16. Last chance to enter is 11:59 PM EST December 16. A winner will be contacted on or before Dec 31st, 2009 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to USA!

Day 1 – Alight.com Fashion Giveaway

Posted on: December 01, 2009 @ 8:00 am 133 Comments »

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Welcome to Day 1 of The Fashionable Gal’s 12 Days of Giveaways! Today’s giveaway sponsor is Alight.com

If Alight sounds familiar, it’s because they were generous to sponsor one of last month’s fabulous giveaways as well!

“While other online and bricks-and-mortar outlets have a limited range of plus-size fashions, alight.com offers a breadth and depth of selection that is unmatched – almost 100 brands and over 900 styles! alight.com also carries the largest selection of contemporary and junior plus designers, including Blue Plate, pink.girl, Angels, Abby Z, Ruby Rox, Fashion Love, ToTo, Mecca Femme, Pink Apple, and Sele.”

This coat is one of my favorite new additions – Amp It Up Motorcycle Jacket ($45).

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Sugarcoat It Dress ($45), New Moon Tunic ($42)

WIN IT: Alight.com is giving ONE reader a plus size top! It will be their choice (but your size)- but don’t worry, each piece is designed with style, so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! This contest will run until DECEMBER 31st at 11:59PM EST! You must be 18 or older & complete the mandatory entry below. Please leave a comment for EACH extra entry as well!

Mandatory Entry: Subscribe to the Alight mailing list, which you can find on the top of the site!

Extra Entries:

~Check out Alight.com, then tell me something you love for 1 Entry

~Fan Alight on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow Alight on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow The Fashionable Gal on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Tweet the giveaway using the following text up to 2x daily, for 1 Entry Each (Win a fabulous plus size top from @alightcom and @fashionablegal http://tinyurl.com/ygoj6vr Ends 12/31 lots of entries! )

~Subscribe to The Fashionable Gal for 1 Entry

~Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link for 3 Entries

Good luck, ladies!

Zoya Ultra Glitter Winter 2009 Collection

Posted on: December 01, 2009 @ 6:00 am 15 Comments »

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Zoya Ultra Glitter: Glam, Redefined.

I loooove anything shiny. I’m like a crow; if it’s sparkly, I must investigate it. If I’m ever reincarnated, I hope to come back as a big, sparkly disco ball at some crazy non-stop party that involves glow sticks and ring pops.

Glitter? That’s my Kryptonite. Which means Zoya’s Ultra Glitter polishes make me totally weak in the knees.

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Nova – Luna – Astra

I will never stop buying glitter nail polish, especially if Zoya keeps putting ‘em out. Hot pink, silver, and reddish pink (Astra is a lot darker in real life)… Just what every girl needs.

Two coats is enough for full coverage, although I love my nail bling, so I’m rockin’ three. One coat is a perfect way to revamp a boring manicure, or spice up a color you’ve been wearing for too long. Add a strip on your tips for a spicy twist. Mix and match with matte. The possibilities are endless (but all are fabulous).

Oh and Helloooo, holiday parties! With Zoya on your nails, you’ll be prettier than the tree!

Macy’s Online Black Friday Deals – Apparel

Posted on: November 27, 2009 @ 6:15 am No Comments »

Pink Rose Plus Size Sweater, Empire Waist Bell Sleeve $25.72 (Regularly $49)

Style&co. Tunic, Embellished Scoopneck $27.60 (Regularly $46)

Charter Club “Slim It Up” Jeans, Dark Wash $29.99 (Regularly $49)

Style&co. Sweater, Long Sleeve Scoopneck $19.99 (Regularly $49)

Charter Club Sweater, Cashmere Dip-Dyed Cardigan $95.99 (Regularly $150)

Oscar De La Renta Sweater, Solid Argyle V Neck $19.99 (Regularly $60)

Charter Club Pajamas, Supersoft Button-Up $24.99 (Regularly $54)

Charter Club Pajamas, Knit V-Neck $16.99 (Regularly $38)

Macy’s Online Black Friday Deals – Coats

Posted on: November 27, 2009 @ 6:00 am 1 Comment »

Sugarfly Jacket, Zip Front Puffer $19.99 (Regularly $49.99)

Weatherproof Vest, Quilted Puffer $14.99 (Regularly $50)

B Hip by Me Jane Jacket, Faux Leather Bomber $39.99 (Regularly $70)

Kenneth Cole Reaction Jacket, Eden Pea Coat $79.99 (Regularly

Calvin Klein Wing Collar Belted Wool Coat $129.99 (Regularly $340)

Style&co. Coat, Solid Walker $92.95 (Regularly $169)

Besame Cosmetics & How to Choose Red Lipstick

Posted on: November 23, 2009 @ 6:00 am 2 Comments »

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I am a lipstick addict. I have as many tubes as a well stocked department store, and a pile of lip glosses to pair with. Nothing makes me feel put together and polished than a beautiful lip stick – and really, few things are easier!

As much as I love my pinks, beiges, oranges, purples – yes, I am quite adventurous with my lip color!- red lipstick is my absolute holy grail of beauty products. Any look, event, or mood can be brightened with a coat of perfect red. It’s sexy, classic, elegant… All those things we modern women strive to be!

Not any red lipstick will do. The formula must be creamy and long-lasting, the shade must be flattering, and the packaging should be pretty. If the tube is ugly, I won’t be reaching for it very often, right?

While browsing photos of pinup models and reading retro fashion blogs, my attention was caught by a line of cosmetics previously unknown to me: Besame Cosmetics. The romantic, vintage feel of the line, coupled with the stunning array of colors ensnared me, and I knew that I had to try the line for myself! Wonderfully, Besame was willing to send me some products for review.

“Gabriela Hernandez, founder of Bésame Cosmetics Inc., has brought artistry and romance back to the cosmetics industry. She has created a line infused with a romantic sensibility that is rich in historical details. Her inspiration for it all was sparked by a combination of her background in art and design, a love for feminine detail, and fond memories of her glamorous grandmother.”

When asked to pick which colors I’d like to review, I found myself at a loss. Originally, I’d been attracted to the reds – but then I was drawn in by the soft pinks, shimmering champagnes, and gorgeous golds. But no! I resisted temptation and selected three shades of rich, luscious red: Cherry Red, Wild Orchid (which looks slightly more purple online), and Red Velvet (which I’m wearing right at this moment).

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(Cherry Red is 3rd from the top and Wild Orchid is at the very bottom.)

Both shades pictured above are from the Classic Enchanting Lipstick Collection, and retail for $15 apiece. The tubes are sexy and chic, and the velvet bags they come in add an extra touch of glamour. The lipsticks themselves? Heaven. Perfect, creamy formulation with beautiful coverage, providing even color that lasts and lasts. I’m slightly tempted to build a Besame shrine to store them in, as they’re almost too pretty to wear…

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(Red Velvet is pictured.)

The Voluptuous Lip Colour Set is brilliant; it includes everything you need for a perfect pout, every time. Lip liner will help your lipstick last, while also ensuring that your mouth is well defined, rather than sloppy. The rounded tip of the lipstick bullet is very easy to apply, and the tiny lip brush (which fits perfectly between thumb and forefinger) ensures that the bow of your lips and the corners of your mouth will be coated without looking clownish. The set comes in a beautiful travel sleeve, and includes a detailed application guide. All of that for only $35 – definitely something to smile about.

Besame Cosmetics also carries Classic (Lip) Glazes, Vintage Boudoir Rouge, Classic Masterliner Pencils (for lip and eye), Vintage Alluring Eye Shadows, and Cashmere Powder Compacts. I haven’t tried any of these products yet, but look forward to doing so in the future – they’re all reasonably priced, beautifully packaged, and temptingly lovely.

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So how to pick the right shade of red lipstick for you?

Decide if your skin is cool, warm, or neutral. If you don’t know which you are or how to determine your tone, this article has easy to follow steps that will help you out!
If you’re warm toned, look for orange or brownish undertones (i.e. brick, copper, coral). If you’re cool toned like me, look for pink or blue undertones (i.e. ruby, fuschia, berry, fire engine). Blue undertones will also make your teeth look whiter. If you’re neutral, you have a lot more leeway and can play around to see what you like best!
The pigmentation of your lipstick should be similar to that of your skin tone – if you’re very pale, look for a lighter, sheer lipstick that won’t be overpowering or too dramatic during the day (unless that’s what you’re going for!). If you’re very dark skinned, you will need a lipstick that has a stronger color.
Consider texture and consistency. Mattes stay longer, but are more drying. Glossy lipsticks often disappear quickly. A creamy matte (like Besame) will last for a long time without overly drying your lips. I like to add a touch of gloss over red lipstick, although sometimes a matte look is more suitable – that’s up to you!

AND don’t forget to prep lips appropriate! If yours are a bit flaky, use a gentle sugar scrub (with a washcloth, q-tip, or tooth brush). Apply lip balm, but use sparingly – too much and your lipstick will easily smudge off. Use liner and a lip brush for accuracy and neatness. If you’re mouth gets a bit messy, use a q-tip dipped in makeup remover to go around the outline of your mouth. Apply concealer around the edges to keep everything neat!

Holiday Cards for a Cause

Posted on: November 19, 2009 @ 6:00 am 1 Comment »

shop Each year, I try do a portion of my holiday shopping on sites or in stores that donate part or all of their proceeds to a worthy cause. As I’m sure you learned during Breast Cancer Awareness month, there is a wide selection of items that benefit those in need! Even with such a wide ranger of products, it can be pricey to get everyone a “gift that gives back.” I’ve found that an easier and more affordable way to show you care without breaking the bank is purchasing holiday greeting cards that support a good cause. Below are some of my favorites.

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The Emancipation Network: Made by Survivors

Hand-cut Holiday & Christmas Cards, each set contains 8 cards for $12.

“Made by Survivors is an international organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking and modern day slavery. We help survivors of slavery rebuild their lives after rescue from slavery, with sustainable income, education and help reintegrating into society. We work to prevent slavery in high risk communities such as red light and refugee communities, by creating jobs for adults and through volunteer trips and donations to our shelter partners for rescue, school fees, emergency needs and reintegration.”

The Breast Cancer Site Store

Many styles, prices vary.

“CharityUSA prefers to sell products with meaning, products which help improve the world by their use or manufacture. We give preference to products made in a sustainable fashion and connected to the issues we work on, which include hunger and poverty relief, breast cancer prevention, child health, literacy, wilderness preservation, animal rescue, and peace. We believe that providing markets for fairly traded products made by marginalized people (especially rural women artisans) is the best way to reduce intergenerational poverty. We believe that wonderful products with meaning are found world-wide and want to sell items from every country and region in order to promote mutual respect and understanding between all people.”

Save the Children

$1/card, sold individually or in 5 card sets.

“Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. It is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, comprising 27 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 100 countries to ensure the well-being of children.”

Tiny Prints – Celebrity Designer Collection

Prices vary with style.

“Make a difference this holiday season with a little help from some of your favorite celebrities. These stylish stars, including Alison Sweeney, Angie Harmon, Cindy Crawford, Marcia Cross and Molly Sims, have all partnered with Tiny Prints to create exclusive designs for our Celebrity Holiday Card Collection. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these Christmas cards will benefit the charities of their choice, so click on any of the celebrity designers below to find out how you can give holiday cards that give back.”