Day 15: Sequins by Alice + Olivia

Hello Divas!

I had a rough day today. Luxe baby was sick (vomiting everywhere), my tire may need replacing, and I did not get any work done. But I kept thanking God for all of my blessing because it could have been much worse.

So Chamele is back! Yeah!  Day 15 involves sequins.  Sequins are hot this season.  I saw the cutest sequin beret in Target. I must have it!

Day 15

So, I have discussed several possibilities for the official birthday dress, but I can hardly choose with so many cute options and without knowledge of the festivities (a little bird told me there was some planning going on but failed to mention the dress code.) Besides, you can have more than one birthday outfit, right? I may end up going out to several small celebrations instead of one big bash, so I would need several "small" outfits. Yes?  I am obviously stretching here. 

I really need a reason to where this  Alice + Olivia  Sequined  T shirt Dress before New Years. Sequins are a big hit again, and this sleeveless number is a pretty penny or more like 49,500 pretty pennies. The Alice + Olivia Sequined T shirt Dress is a sleeveless dress with a round neckline. There is seaming at the natural waist, creating a waist where one may not otherwise be (if you get my hint. I love clothes that make me look like I have more or less than I have... when the less and more are in the appropriate places.) There is an open slit down the back with button closure at the neckline. Hmm... open slits. If you caught a glimpse of the Effervescent Evening Dress, you might like this one too!

In the alternative, I am considering the Aidan Max One Shoulder Gold Sequined dress. It has a much more likeable price. The dress has a straight skirt with much needed built-in cups. The bias cut and  draped bodice allow for . The Aidan Max One Shoulder Sequined Dress is $295.00 at Bloomingdale's.

On a recent trip to JCrew, I ran across the Sequin Mesh Bell Skirt.  JCrew offers a mesh gold sequined skirt that will probably provide more versatility than a full dress at half the price.  The Sequin Mesh Bell Skirt  is  a full skirt with elastic waistband, allowing for its owner to wear alone, belted, high-waisted or on the natural waistline. The price is originally $138.00 but is on sale now for $79.99. Scorrrrrre!

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Thinking Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness: Sonia Kashuk Shop Pink Do More Collection

perusing my favorite hangout (LOL!), Target, i spotted the new limited-edition Sonia Kashuk Shop Pink Do More collection. this is the 4th year the beauty maven has teamed up with the bulls-eye brand, and is definitely not one to pass up, beauties! with the sale of each product, 15% of the purchase price will be donated to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

take a look...



the Primping For a Cause Curler & Tweezer Set will give those eyes a perfect, finished look. i love that the tweezers are "accessorized" with the BCRF pink ribbon-- too cute!




"Brighten You Day" Cosmetic Sponges-- two of Sonia's fabulous makeup foundation sponges in a cheerful shade of pink.




j'dore this pink case (it also doubles as a clutch)! the Circle Around a Cause Travel Brush Set comes with six long, silver-handled, pro-quality travel brushes and brightly-colored pink bristles.




for all you nail polish fanatics, you'll love the Lend a Hand Nail Trio. these polishes include shades of mauvey pink, metallic plum and deep violet. perfect for the fall season!




help out a fab cause and make your powder application a luxurious experience with the Circle of Hope Kabuki Brush. plush pink bristles applies powder beautifully to give skin a natural-looking finish.




if you're looking for a 4-piece set, the Seeing Pink Purse Brush Set comes in a shimmering pink foldover case with smaller sized brushes-- fab for touch-ups on-the-go!




oh-so-girly! the Pretty in Pink Eye Palette is nothing short of sweet with its trio of eye shadows. shades include shimmering pale pink, petal and lilac shades, all in a mirrored compact.




the Brush Up on Pink 4-pc. Purse Set features metallic handled brushes in an uber-girly floral pink case.


think pink and be sure to get these while you can at your local Target and on target.com!


xo
info and images courtesy of Target.

Hot Target Find of the Week: Liberty of London Shirtdress!

Hello Divas!

I hope all is well in the world! I have so much to be thankful for! What are you thankful for?

Well this past Easter was just lovely!  I had a fabulous brunch and the luxe kids were cute as little buttons.

I received an Easter gift from my good friend Natasha.  She knew I had searched Target stores across Metro Atlanta high and low to find the most coveted Liberty of London Shirtdress.  While out shopping, she found one in my size!  She graciously purchased it for me and here it is!

It is so adorable and perfect for Summer!  I can't wait to wear it with my Chinese Laundry Platforms!

Toodles!

Liberty of London: No Shirt Dress, But Cute Journals!

Hello Divas!

I hope you had a fab weekend!  On Friday I received tons of good news and not so good news, but I figured it all balanced out!  Gotta love life!

Friday was such a GORGEOUS day in Atlanta so I was in the shopping mood.  I went to Target in search of Liberty of London wear, because the clothes are made for beautiful sunny days! There are some adorable dresses in the line, but I wanted the oh so fab Liberty of London Shirt Dress that I hear is already selling like hot cakes on Ebay. Yikes!

Of course I checked three Targets and there was not a Liberty of London shirt dress in sight. Bummer!  But I did pick up these adorable Liberty of London mini journals.

How cute are they?? I love them!  They come in a set of three in various colors and patterns.  I chose this pink set.  So feminine and pretty!  They easily fit inside my bag and I love the ability to jot down ideas and notes on the go.  Especially when I am brainstorming to write!  These journals were only $6.99!  But hurry to your nearest Target, because the Liberty of London items are selling out fast!

Toodles!

Target Merona Rain Boots!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are living life to the fullest!

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I recently purchased some new rain boots from Target.  To be honest, I never felt the need to purchase rain boots because it never really rained that much in Atlanta.  However, lately it has been raining cats and dogs.  We just finished a three day stretch of constant rain! So I ventured to my favorite store, Target, to find some cute and affordable rain boots.  Of course Target did not disappoint.  I wanted pink rain boots, so luxe baby and I could look alike, but they did not feet my leg correctly.  So I found these Zaki Houndstooth Rain Boots and they are perfect.

They are so fab!  I have received so many compliments.  People love him!  They were only $24.99! Woot!  Target has Merona rain boots in a range of cute and funky designs. 

And check out the diva luxe baby's rain boots! She wears then every way.  I purchased them from Carter's.  Adorable.

Toodles!

12 Days of Luxetips Before Christmas! Day 9: Beautiful Tights!

Hello Divas!

Is your week filled with Christmas joy and cheer? The key to a wonderful Christmas is staying positive and remembering the reason for the season...to give and to love!

I am a tights fanatic! I LOVE tights! I mean absolutely love them! I have different colors and patterns and they make any outfit pop.

This season tights were a big hit! Bright colors are popular as well as fishnets, diamonds, and other patterns. I always get my tights from Target. I have found that the tights are of extreme good quality...I have purchased tights from Target 4 years ago and they still are in perfect condition! Gotta love Target. The tights are also affordable...between $5 and $9 bucks. Why pay more when you can have the same thing for less? Here are some tights I think will look great with your holiday dress, skirt, or sweater.

Diamond or any other textured black tights are always sexy!


Add a punch of color to a black dress!


What brand of tights do you absolutely love?

Toodles!

Q & A Thursdays!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are living life to the fullest!

Considering I get many emails from my beautiful readers seeking advice on fashion and beauty, I have decided to have a Q&A post every other Thursday. I hope you will find these posts helpful and if you have any advice or recommendations to share please do! Also if you have any questions, you can email me at latoicha007@gmail.com or leave a question in the comment section.

Today's question is from So Not a Fashionista.

Dear Luxe Fashionista,

Help! I could really use a fashion 411. I have been pregnant and/or nursing for three years and finally decided to rid my closet of my maternity clothes. Yippee! However, the unfortunate side is that my body is completely different than it was a few years ago, so my pre-baby clothes don't fit my post baby/nursing body. Not only that, but I don't think my clothes were particularly fashionable--safe choices (sweater sets and dark suits) for sure, but nothing exciting. So, can you give me some tips on staples to update my wardrobe?

Yours Truly,
So Not a Fashionista

Dear So Not a Fashionista:

I have been there myself. As a matter of fact, Luxetips was created because I too felt un-pretty and drab after having my son. I was constantly wearing jeans, a big t-shirt, and a ponytail. I felt I needed to get back to living the luxe life!

Here are my suggestions:

1. Spanx. Buy Spanx to hold it all in until you have the time or energy to work out. I wear Spanx all the time because my body will never be the same post children! LOL!

2. Wrap Dresses. They are simple, stylish and classic. I have several. You can dress them up or down with heels, flats, sandles or accessories. Plus they are designed to compliment any figure.

3. Shift Dresses. Shift dresses are great too! Since they don't hug the body, no one can really see those areas you want to avoid. A great trend for fall is to wear a cute shift dress with colored tights and high heels or open toe booties...I saw this look all day in New York and it was too fly!


4. Great pair of Jeans. Sylish jeans are always good. You can wear a tunic over the jeans. The tunic is loose enough to hide problem areas while also being stylish.

5. Shop at at TJMAXX, Marshalls or Target to find this items for less.

Toodles!

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Lumene Time Freeze Serum

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is simply beautiful!

As you Divas know, I filmed an interview with Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter last Friday. However, I am having major problems getting the video off of my VADO mini-cam. For one it is not MAC compatible, so I have to use a PC. Unfortunately, I am having issues downloading the video using the PC also! Ugh! So please be patient and stay tuned. The interview is great and I can't wait to share!

Previously, I wrote a post about how much I love Lumene's Time Freeze Serum. Usually I use it once a week when I do my mini-facial. Well since I ran out of my Lumene Day Cream with SPF 15 and my Lumene ExCellnet daily serum, I have been using the Time Freeze Serum as a daily and nightly moisturizer. LOL! I just used what I had! Well I am glad I did because my skin is like pure silk. It is glowing and the texture of my skin has improved 100%! I am in love with this Serum. I guess the twice daily application of highly concentrated vitamins and minerals is renewing my skin in a major way. This just proves that with a little experimentation, you can discover a new way to use a product that will generate amazing results!

Lumene's Time Freeze Serum retails for $19.99 and you can purchase it from CVS or Target.

Toodles!

A.J. Wright! Like TJ MAXX but Less Expensive

Hello Divas!

I hope all is well! I hope your life is simply fab! I have been out of commission...super insanely busy, but I am getting back into the swing of things!

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend a Sneak Peak Blogger event for the opening of the new A.J. Wright store at StoneCrest Mall in the greater Atlanta area. A.J. Wright is like the Old Navy of Discount Stores and is HUGE in Canada. You guys know how much I love shopping at discount stores. I always find designer items for less! So I can buy more while still on a budget!

Representatives from the company gave us information on the company; brands carried by AJ Wright; and a tour. I was pleased to discover that in addition to men, women, and children designer clothing items, AJ Wright also carries home decor items, brand name toys, and bridal party dresses!

The company provided me with a $100 gift card to see how many items I could buy with $100! Considering I am a bargain shopper I was up for the challenge:

I purchased the following items:

Luxe hubby a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt for only $12.99! Yes only $12.99! This is by far the least expensive price I have ever seen for Ralph Lauren Polo shirts. Amazing!

I purchased Luxe baby several play wear items. These sets were only $6 a piece.

Luxe son was in tow and I picked up several 3-pack Hanes Briefs for only $2.99. These briefs are $5.99 in Target! Woot! I also purchased Luxe son Hanes undershirts for $3.99. In addition, he talked me into buying him a set of Transformers. Fortunately the Transformers were only $19.99 for 3.

For myself, I purchased a pair fabulous and cute beige flats for $10, Levis dark wash straight leg jeans for $12.99, and a men's oxford shirt for only $12.99.

Another thing I like about AJ Wright was their selection of dresses! So cute and affordable! This dress is 100 silk and was only $29.99! You can't beat it!

I would certainly become a regular shopper at AJ Wright for cute dresses, adorable shoes, and items for the luxe kids. Like I said this discount store caries the same items as TJ MAXX, Ross, and Target but at significantly better prices. As you can see, you can shop for the whole family and get a ton of items for the low! Prices at AJ Wright are up to 70% off retail! Now that is my kind of store!

Toodles!

Liberty and Target... bedfellows?

Yes, yes, I know... it might be just a touch too early in the new PW
(post-wedding) blogging phase to be going on such a tangent, but I just
can't resist. WWD reported this morning that there are talks of
a 'collaboration' between the shoppe and shop. Whether it's Target (oh,
beloved Tar-jaaay and your amazing cosmetics department, how I've
missed you on these latest travels) entering Liberty or

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Trim's Neat Feet Portable Pedicure System

Hello Divas!

I hope your Wednesday is Fantabulous!

While in Hilton Head, I needed a pedicure in the worst way. Since I have been so busy, I did not have time to go to the nail salon to get a pedicure. I figured, I would just get one when I arrived. But I found it difficult to locate a nail salon near the beach! So I went to a CVS to find a pumice stone and other tools to do my own pedicure before hanging out on the beach all day. Crusty feet and the beach don't mix! LOL!

Well I found this cute little portable pedicure system by Trim. I was intrigued because this pedicure system looks like a mini Clarisonic and you Divas know how bad I want a Clarisonic. I digress.... The system is a mini power tool with four different heads to give your feet a nice pedicure. How neat???!!

There is a pumice head that smooths rough areas; a brush that cleans feet; a sponge that is used to apply lotion or your favorite foot cream; and a small file to give your feet a final once over. The portable pedicure system also comes with a drawstring bag for easy storage. Plus it fits perfectly in my beauty case. I love products that I can easily transport!

I soaked my feet and used the pumice head to smooth my rough feet. The power tool moves in a circular motion. I applied it to my feet and it removed most of the rough areas. I would have liked it to remove more dead skin, but my feet were smooth enough to present in public! I then applied a nice foot cleanser and used the brush to clean my feet. The motion was very soothing. I think I like this brush the best..it was like a mini-massage. I didn't use the sponge to apply lotion, but I did use the file to give my feet a final once over. The file did not make much of a difference, but it is a nice concept.

Overall the tool gave me a decent pedicure. I loved that I did not have to use a lot of energy giving myself a pedicure because the power tool does it for you. Now that is genius! I do think it could be a little more powerful, but for $10 it was definitely worth the purchase. You can purchase this portable pedicure system from any CVS or Target.

Toodles!

Napoleon Perdis NP Set Makeup Palettes

Hello Divas!



I hope you are having a great day!



As I previously blogged, Napoleon Perdis has introduced a new NP Set line at Target and the colors are just fantastic and the make-up is functional! I am such a fan of functional make-up because as a woman on the go, I need functionality.



Napoleon Perdis sent me a sample of their new NP Set make-up palettes and I just had to share them with you guys because they are gorgeous and so easy to use. First of all check out the packaging.



The palettes come in the cutest little compact cases. They are compact enough to fit inside any purse. Plus the designs are adorable.



These sets contain 5, yes 5 eye shadows, 3 lip glosses, and a blush. You also get two NP Set brushes for application. The colors in the make-up palettes are based on a specific style. For instance, if you are a rocker-chic Diva, the Denim Set is for you. This sets contains a beautiful violet, apricot, and lilac eyeshadow. Plus there are 3 hip lip glosses ranging from bronze to a shimmery pink.


The Sweater Set is for the a nice warm pink glow during the winter months! I call her the Winter Diva...she is dressed in her fly warm clothes but still glowing. This set contains a very pink blush, bronze, purple and gold eye shadow, with true pink and apricot lip glosses.



Lastly, the Career Set, is for the Career Diva. The woman on the go handling business! The colors in this palette best match my skin tone. This set contains a deep purple, light bronze, and gold eye shadow. There is also a bronze, pink, and coral lip glosses with a bronzy rose blush. Actually the blush reminds me of my fav NARS blush, Lovejoy.



The palettes come with step by step instructions on how to apply the make-up for a day or night look. So even if you are a novice, you can't go wrong with these palettes! They are only $29.00 bucks at Target! Considering the amount of product in the palette, this is a true steal!



Toodles!

Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush

Hello Divas!

I hope your Monday is awesome!

Last week I wrote a post about Lancome's Indigo Charm Gel Eyeliner. Because the eyeliner is a gel and is packaged in a small pot, I had to purchase an eyeliner brush to apply it. I knew Sonia Kashuk would probably have an eyeliner brush that was affordable and good quality. I picked up the Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush because the packaging stated that the bent brush "works with the natural shape of the eye" and it was only $5.99!

First I love that the eyeliner brush has a protective plastic covering for the tip. Good eye hygiene is important! The brush is bent at an angle at the tip and the tip of the brush is very fine. When I begin to apply the gel eyeliner with the brush, I was surprised to find that the brush is very firm. The combination of the brush's fine tip and firmness work together to create a perfect line when applying eye liner. Considering this was my very first time using gel eyeliner, this brush allowed me to apply the eyeliner with ease. I had no problem at all. I had total control over how and where I applied the eyeliner. Genius! If you are on a budget, this is a perfect eyeliner brush to have in your beauty arsenal.

You can purchase this brush at any Target.

Toodles!

Hot Target Find of the Week: Napoleon Perdis NP Set Pre-Foundation Bronzing Primer

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is fantabulous!

Ladies, Napoleon Perdis is the bomb! Seriously! Remember when I raved about the Bronze Luminizer Foundation Stick? The absolute best bronzer for brown girls I have ever used. Well I have discovered another Napoleon Perdis product that rocks on brown skin. The NP Set Pre-Foundation Bronzing Primer. I was recently given the opportunity to try this primer and of course I jumped at the chance. Because as we know, Napoleon Perdis is known for his excellent primer. It is the best on the market! I have been using just concealer these day due to the humidity. However, I was thinking that a good primer would prevent my skin from looking so blotchy.

When I opened this primer, I immediately fell in love with the color. It is a deep bronze color with flecks of gold. I knew it would look good on my skin tone. I applied the bronzing primer and immediately saw results. First my skin tone looked more even. Secondly, I instantly achieved a sun-kissed glow. I am talking about the "I have chilled on the beach in Miami for a week glow!" And to solidify how great I looked, I met my friend Renee for a walk in the park and she immediately complimented me on how great I looked. She said I looked great and my skin was glowing! Ha! The only thing I had on was the bronzing primer and lip gloss. This primer works like a tinted moisturizer but with a glow! Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! Plus it is perfect for summer. It is light and quickly absorbs into your skin. There is no need to wear heavy foundation. Divas this bronzing primer is a must have!

A 1.69 oz tube of NP Set Bronzing Primer retails for $29 and you can purchase it here or at any Target!

Toodles!

Luxe travel: How to pack for a quick weekend getaway!

Hello Divas!

I hope all is wonderful in your world. I am doing fantastic! Well this weekend, I was scheduled to take a quick weekend trip to New Orleans with my sister. But it was derailed. First she had drama with her rental. But we obtained a car and alas my nephew broke his leg in 3 places playing tackle football with his friends. Go figure. This trip was just not meant to be. Hey, we can always go another weekend. But I did pack my little weekend bag for this trip. My rule is to "travel light and still live the luxe life!" This means I only take one carry-on or one bag regardless of where I am going. How do I do it? Well take a look:

1. I always pack several dresses when taking a trip. I love dresses that are made of wrinkle free material like jersey and some polyester blends. Plus dresses are so easy to pack. You can simply roll them up very tightly...they take up minimal space. I purchased this wrap dress and shift dress from Target on sale! Love Target!

2. My next rule is to always pack a pair of jeans and/or slacks..depending on the nature of the trip. It may rain or be a little chilly. So jeans are a must! I packed my favorite Hudson Jeans. I love Hudson Jeans...I tell ya they are so comfortable you can sleep in them.

3. I love to pack a crisp white shirt. I can wear it with jeans, slacks or shorts. In addition, I also pack a nice casual shirt for sight seeing or for casual events. I love love my Ralph Lauren pink fitted polo shirt for casual events.

4. One pair of shorts is a must also. I love these green Bermuda shorts I purchased from Old Navy. I can dress these up or down.

5. Shoes and Accessories. I pack 2-3 pairs of shoes that can go with a multitude of outfits. As you can see my bronze pumps, brown pumps, or gold flats can go with any outfit. If I am going out, I can wear the pumps or if I want to wear flats the sandles are cute enough to wear to a restaurant or simply walking. Also my gold belt (so cute!) can be worn with my jeans, shorts, or dress.

6. Jewelry. Once again, I choose jewelry can that can compliment a multitude of outfits. As you can see, neutral but funky jewelry is the way to go! The orange necklace is great for a nice punch of color!

7. Beauty Products. I only take the essentials. These are the products I am currently using: Lancome Genefique Serum, Lumene Day Cream with SPF 15, Clean and Clear Astringent, Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser, Dior HydraAction Eyecream with SPF 20, RX for Brown Skin Naturally Flawless Skin Brightener (for hyperpigmentation), Johnson's Body Care Be Radiant Cocoa & Shea Butter Lotion.

8. I also minimize all of my beauty products and place them in these 4 oz. containers. You can purchase these from CVS.

9. I only take essential make-up to save space. The Lancome Eye Palette in Safari Escapade (has 4 neutral but hot colors that will compliment any look), Lancome Defencils Mascara, MAC lipglass in Spite (great neutral), Black Opal stick foundation in Hazlenut, Milani lip pencil in Dark Coffee , Lancome Kajal Eye Pencil in Gold Blaze, Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, Revlon lip palette in Honey Bunch, Nars Blush in Lovejoy and makeup-brushes. All of my make-up has to fit inside my small compact Helena Rubenstein make up case. It fits perfectly in my handbag.



As you can see, I pack at least 2 outfits per day. I have a total of 5 oufits that are interchangeable and that will be appropriate for any occasion! Truly fabulous.

I also filmed a short video on how to actually pack your weekend bag with these items. Check back tomorrow to see the actual video!

Toodles!

Target tote giveaway for Earth Day

Get your free non-plastic tote bag from Target today, April 19, with any purchase!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com