Splurges That Are Worth It

I like saving money, but sometimes it is better to splurge on a quality product. Earlier this year, Expensive things that are worth every cent! was posted on the Yes and Yes forums and got me thinking about the things I like to splurge on.

A Professional Haircut and Color

Minka Kelly

I've lived through many hair disasters. Wanting a radical new look but trying to save a few dollars, I will cut and color my hair and quickly find myself in the salon's ER - and spending a lot more money than if I had just gone to the salon in the first place. Lesson #1: Never try to go from black to blonde at home on your own. Lesson #2: Layering is an art form best left to the professionals.

A Quality Handbag

Princess Bucket Bag by Dooney & Bourke

My first handbag splurge was a Dooney & Bourke from their It Bag Collection. It cost a little under $200, but carrying it on my arm made me feel like a million bucks. You don't have to spend a fortune, and a quality bag will last for years. I like carrying whimsical bags because they are great conversation starters. Other brands I like are Coach and Kate Spade.

Nike Sneakers

Nike Free XT Everyday Fit+

I turn to Nike for sneakers because they run narrow and will last me a couple years. Plus, the sneakers come in exciting colors.

Victoria's Secret Pajamas

The Tee-jama

Poor quality pajamas can feel stiff, but Victoria's Secret jammies are comfortable and wear well. I love their flannel sets in the winter, which are perfect for running around in on Christmas morning.

MacBook

MacBook

I'm on my second MacBook. My first MacBook lasted for five years, although that last year it was really slow. I love my MacBook and can't imagine switching to anything else - except maybe a MacBook Pro.

What do you like to splurge on?

Chicwish

Chictopia is a wonderful place to find inspiration. It's impossible not to find someone whose style you admire. A couple of days ago Fancytreehouse wore a divine little red dress and that is how I discovered Chicwish. This fabulous online boutique caters to shoppers craving a vintage inspired look. While the company is based in Hong Kong, they ship internationally and offer free shipping on purchases over $150. Sadly, I must wait until payday before any of these lovelies can be mine.

Starry Night Romper

Dolly Denim Dress

Dreamy Fluffy Dress

The Perricone Skin Care Giveaway ends midnight, May 30th!

Things i LOVE Thursday

Going to a baseball game

Trying a new hairstyle thanks to this video

(it's the perfect style for summer)

Listening to Lady Gaga all week long

(loving this song)

Reading Secondhand Chic by Christa Weil

Seeing Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 3D

(next movie needs more Spanish soldiers!)

Hearting this Jane Austen dress

Being included in the vvb32 reads Armchair BEA festivities

Learning to shimmy

Wanting this Barbie Dream House Ring by nOir Jewelry

Loving these festive shoes

When the Prize Disappoints

You've commented and tweeted, and now you are the lucky winner of a... disappointing prize. Now what?

As a blogger, I enjoy hosting giveaways, and I like to think of giveaways as a thank you to my followers, so it's no good when the winner feels that the prize has quality issues. A recent situation has made me realize that there can be a real disconnect between the product I'm sent to review and the prize sent out to the winner. I, also, realize that even though I like a product it might not work for someone else. While I contemplated quality issues and varying taste, I was struck by inspiration - winners could review their prizes!

Eden-Avalon of The Reason for Tears has agreed to write the first prize review. In April, I reviewed the Romina from the Vedette Sensuale Collection and was quite happy with it. Eden-Avalon received the Danette from the store's regular line and found the quality lacking. I should note that the two other winners from the giveaway liked their garments, but I do not know what garments they were sent.

Eden-Avalon's Vedette Sensuale Giveaway Prize Review:

I received style #115 The Danette in black. I took Midnight Cowgirl's advice and ordered a size up, even though Vedette recommended I stick to the chart when I spoke to them on the phone. Unfortunately the item was still too small to really wear and I am quite used to shapewear. I called upon my younger sister, who was two sizes down from the size I ordered but it was also too small and tight for her. The partial body suit reduced my waist by 1 inch and hers by 0. It also reduced my hips by 2 inches and hers by 1. I'm afraid the elastic at the top has already started to wear down. Still - i'm thrilled to have won this item and big thanks to The Fashion Planner for the opportunity to try this out!

Eden-Avalon, also, posted a more in depth review on her blog, and it is worth checking out. Thanks to Eden-Avalon for being the first to write a prize review!

I'd love to hear other thoughts on posting prize reviews and if anyone else has won a blog giveaway and was disappointed that the prize did not live up to the hype.

If you've won a giveaway on The Fashion Planner and would like to do a prize review (positive or negative), contact me for details!

There is still time to enter the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway if you would like the chance to win a product of your choice (up to $150 value) and the opportunity to write a prize review.

Monday Morning Good things

Happy Monday! This weekend kept me busy. I worked as a dresser at a Macy's fashion show and started packing for a possible move this summer. Tonight I have tickets to see a baseball game and am looking forward to hanging out with friends. Here are some other good things that are brightening my day:

Flat Sandals

The Silvana sandals from J. Crew scream "Summer!" Made from supple vachetta leather and only $98 a pair, the Silvana could be the perfect summer shoe.

Pleated Skirts

This ASOS Pleated Knitted Skirt is too cute to pass up. My latest obsession is finding the perfect pleated skirt, and I absolutely love this color.

Cookbooks

I find the best cure for boredom is to make something. Baking these yummy treats from BabyCakes is a delicious way to pass a free day.

New Music

Lady Gaga's new album drops today and Amazon is offering the full MP3 album for only $.99!

Need something else to do? Enter the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway for your chance to win your choice of a Perricone product worth up to $150!

What are your plans for today?

Things i LOVE Thursday

Reading The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams

Taking time to dance

(and wishing I could dance like this...)

Watching From Prada to Nada

Listening to this song by Avril Lavigne

Wanting this belt bag by Rodarte for Opening Ceremony

(and wondering if this could be a diy project?)

Hearting these rhinestone shoes

Needing this watch from La Mer Collections

Obsessively reading What Kate Wore

Making plans for a fabulous summer

More YouTube Beauty Gurus

About a year ago, I posted a list of some of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus, and now it is time to update the list. From hair care tips to favorite nail polishes, YouTube is one of my favorite beauty resources. Here are some fabulous beauty vloggers I have discovered over the past year:

QueenBeauty

missglamorazzi

pixi2woo

itsjudytime

FleurDeForce

Who are your favorite beauty gurus?

Check out the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway!

Summer Reading

Can it be true that summer is just around the corner? Despite the thermometer falling back to 40 degrees, the calender informs me that summer is only a few weeks away. Every summer I make a list of books I want to read. I admit the list is flexible. Some books I start and never finish. Other books drop down the list in favor of newer, shinier reads. But, never mind that. Here are the ones currently topping my summer reading list:

1. A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter by William Deresiewicz

Why: The product description reads, "An eloquent memoir of a young man's life transformed by literature. " A guy who loves Jane Austen? Be still my beating heart.

2. The Great Night: A Novel by Chris Adrian

Why: A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

3. The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean

Why: McKean’s blog, A Dress a Day, is the inspiration for the novel.

4. What You See in the Dark by Manuel Munoz

Why: The making of Psycho and a real life murder.

5. Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn TurgeonWhy: A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale.

6. The Book of Tomorrow: A Novel by Cecelia Ahern

Why: A magic book and a traveling library. What more could a girl ask for?

7. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

Why: I'm obsessed with the lives of women royals.

What books will you be reading this summer?

Check out the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway!

Talking About Polyphenols Benefits and a Giveaway

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, The New York Times best selling author and world-renowned health aging expert, is at it again with a new line of skin care products derived from superfoods. SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a line rich in antioxidants that fight aging so that you can enjoy beautiful, healthy skin.

So, what are polyphenols benefits? According to the SUPER website:

polyphenols are a potent yet gentle flavonoid found in olives that increase skin's moisture retention while guarding against free radical damage.

The Superhero Body Sculpting Serum tones, quenches, and nourishes skin thanks to the use of polyphenols from olives.

Another super food is Chia. Chia seed benefits come from omega-3, which is an anti-inflammatory. The Omega Moisture Nourishing Cream hydrates, nourishes, and replenishes skin thanks to chia.

I have yet to try this line but love that the SUPER products are more affordable than the ones from Perricone MD. I was sent the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Body to review and absolutely love it.

The Cold Plasma Body tones, tightens, and smoothes skin appearance with the help of DMAE, a nutrient found in fish. When I first got the bottle, I applied the lotion all over my body everyday. After using a sizable amount in just a few weeks, I scaled back to applying it only to areas that truly need help. The lotion does have a slightly fishy smell but that disappears soon after applying it. I can definitely tell a difference on days I use the Cold Plasma Body and days that I don't. While this lotion will not replace healthy eating and exercise, it will help your body look better this swimsuit season.

One lucky commenter will win a Perricone product

of her/his choice (up to a $150 value)!

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email and

which Perricone product (valued at $150 or less) you want/need and why

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, May 30, 2011.

Open to U.S. and Canada only.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on Twitter.

Thanks to Perricone for the Cold Plasma Body and the giveaway!

Saturday Haul

Anyone who believes the competitive spirit in America is dead has never been in a supermarket when the cashier opens another checkout line.

~Ann Landers

A few beauty goodies to review at a later date.

A wishing well charm that was a birthday present.

For research purposes should I marry into royalty or start my own country...

Things i LOVE Thursday - Late Edition

Eating cake in a jar

Reading My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas

(see Laura's Reviews)

Listening to this cover of "Dancing in the Dark"

Laughing over "What Your American Girl Doll Says About the Rest of Your Life"

Wanting this vintage dress

Road tripping through the Midwest

Taking a dance class and pretending to be graceful

Shopping trips around town

Attempting to teach my brothers how to sew

(lol)

Hearting this Fool's Gold Knucklebuster

Free Things for Your Birthday

I love it when businesses give me free things for turning another year older. This birthday I made it my business to travel around town and glean the gifts on offer. From free bagels and gelato to party candles and shower gel, I sampled the delights my town had to offer. Here are some national programs that will help you celebrate your special day.

• Become a Sephora BeautyInsider and receive a trial size birthday gift
• Visit the Benefit Brow Bar at ULTA on your birthday and get a brow arch for free
• As a Victoria's Secret Angel Card holder, get $10 off a purchase during your birth month
• CVS ExtraCare Beauty Club members receive a $3 off coupon
• Sign up for DSW Rewards and get $5 off a purchase during your birth month
• Aveda's Birthday Program will give you a free Personal Blends Pure-Fume Spirit
• Join My Starbucks Rewards and receive a free drink

How do you celebrate your birthday?

I've Got My Cat Eye On You

I am the queen of cheap sunglasses. I rarely spend more than $20 because I know that they will get sat on, stepped on, or misplaced. Still, I can't help dreaming of owning a pair of designer sunglasses. I'm loving the updated cat-eye frames that many designers are offering this summer. Maybe one day I'll splurge on a pair...

Ray-Ban Cat Eye-frame Acetate Sunglasses

Miu Miu Cat-eye Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Victoria Beckham Modern Cat Eye-frame Acetate Sunglasses

Gucci Cat-eye Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Alexander Wang Zoro Angular-frame Acetate Sunglasses

When it comes to sunglasses, do you splurge or save?

Candy for Your Ears

The Royal Bazaar Lapis Studs

The last few days I have been road-tripping across the Midwest. Even though 24 of the 72 hours I was gone was spent in my car, it was nice to have a change of scenery. While catching up on my email today, I came across Kate Spade's new jewelry collection. The Royal Bazaar is a collection of precious and semi-precious gemstone earrings that are handmade by men and women from the Turquoise Mountain Foundation. Like rock candy for your ears, these raw gemstones are a sweet twist on the classic stud. Plus, your purchase helps support Afghan artisans and their work to keep traditional craftsmanship alive.

FRAAS The Scarf Company

I love to accessorize with scarves, so it was a pleasant surprise to open a package from Lipton Publicity and discover a scarf/wrap from FRAAS. The Solid Viscose Wrap is soft, lightweight, and just the right length for wearing as a scarf or wrap. (Here are some ideas for how to wear.) The only thing I don't like about the wrap is the color. White makes me feel like I have a bandage wrapped around my neck (silly, I know). However, FRAAS does offer the Solid Viscose Wrap in 9 other colors including red, lavender, and turquoise. After doing a little research on their site, I discovered that FRAAS has been operating for 130 years and that their acessories often appear in magazines. I will definitely be keeping FRAAS in mind the next time I go scarf shopping.

Do you accessorize with wraps or scarves?

What's your favorite way to wear them?

Birthday Wish List

Since my birthday is next week, I am busy planning what I want to wear and what kind of cake I want to eat. While all these ideas are rolling around in my head, I can't forget my favorite part of birthdays, which is putting together a wish list. Here are a few things I'm wishing for.

Candles

Capri Blue Jar Candle, Blue

Recently, I've become fascinated with scented candles. Big ones. Little ones. Tropical or bakery scented ones. Bonus if the candle comes in a jar.

Lotion Socks

Toe-tally Sweet Vanilla Scented & Shea-Infused Lounge Socks

Is this a sign that I'm getting older? No matter.

Perfume

Wicked Style "G"

Apparently, this birthday my nose is calling the shots - scented candles and socks and now perfume. But who could say "no" to this cute, little bottle?

Kitchen Gadgets

Babycakes Cake Pop Maker

Bite-sized cakes on a stick? Count me in. Of course, I'll, also, need the book to go with it.

Charms

Juicy Couture 'Wishing Well' Charm

My family gave me a Juicy Couture charm bracelet a few years ago, and every year they add to it. With so many fabulous charms, it's impossible to pick just one.

Royally Inspired

Photo from Instyle

Some things are worth waking up at four in the morning to watch...

The Duchess Formerly Known as Kate Middleton

Photos from InStyle

The wedding gown was designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, and I must admit I didn't think Kate was the McQueen type; however, this gown is perfect for her. At first glance, this gown looks like it was heavily inspired by Grace Kelly's wedding dress. Other possible inspiration could be Queen Elizabeth II's wedding dress and Julie Andrew's dress from The Sound of Music. I haven't been able to find a similar version of this dress, but no doubt copies will be available in the next few months. In the meantime, Vogue pattern V2979 is a great resource if you know how to sew or know somebody who does.

Photo from Instyle

For the reception, the bride wore another gown designed by Sarah Burton. As someone who is always cold, I think the mohair bolero is a nice touch. This Henry Roth gown worn with the Bette Cardigan from Anthropologie will have you channeling this black tie affair in no time. For those who sew, Simplicity 2400 or 3784 would be a great place to start.

Pippa Middleton

Photos from InStyle

Pippa's maid of honor gown was designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. I love this dress - the silhouette, the buttons running down the back, everything. Kleinfeld offers a few gowns with a similar look. Or, go DIY and alter Vogue pattern V2965.

Photo from Yahoo

At the reception, Pippa wore a gorgeous emerald evening gown designed by Alice Temperley. Steal the look for yourself with the V-Neck Prom Dress by Blush or this prom dress by Dave and Johnny. Simplicity 4481 is a DIY alternative.

Wedding Guests

Oh, what a beautiful morning dress: Sophie Windsor with husband Lord Freddie Windsor and Joss Stone. Photos from InStyle

The wedding required guests to wear morning dress, a daytime formal dress code. To get the look for yourself, pair a shift dress with a light jacket. Complete your look with a fabulous fascinator, clutch, and heels. For those who sew, try V1231 or V1237 for the dress and V8052 and V7464 for the hat.

What did you like best about the wedding?