The Stylish Life Loves Borghese Cura-C Anhydrous Vit C Body Scrub

Every girl (and guy) needs a good body scrub.

Borghese Cosmetics Cura-C Anhydrous Vitamin C Body Scrub is amazing.

It has a light grainy texture that is not overly abrasive to the skin.

The scrub has no water but contains Vitamins C, A, and E.

It also has Squalane, Sunflower Oil, Carrot Oil, and Multi Vitamin CoQ10 Complex.

I use Cura-C scrub daily with my exfoliating gloves.

I love how soft and smooth my skin feels afterwards.

Check out all of Borghese Cosmetics Bath & Body products.



Disclosure: This post is based on a product that I received for consideration by the company.






The Stylish Life: Haute Bag Lady Bag of the Week: Furla Candy Bags

                           How cute is Furla's Candy Satchel in Pink? This bag needs to be in my life.
    Here is the complete collection in Acai (blue), Mango (yellow), Passion Fruit (red), and Avocado (green).

                         I love satchels and I love the pretty bright colors of this classic handbag style
                                                   and I especially love the $195 price tag.
                                         Will you be scooping up a Furla Candy Bag this season?

Press Play: Mary Mary Something Big Giveaway!

Head over to The Stylish Life's Facebook page for a chance to win Mary Mary's new CD, Something Big. Leave a comment on the wall! New page Likes get an extra entry. A winner will be selected and announced at random. Good luck!!

Click here to enter

Gilt City Chicago: Kate Spade New York Wedding Belles (and Whistles)

Gilt City Chicago (www.giltcity.com/Chicago), the resource that continues to provide its members unparalleled access to unique and one-of-a-kind experiences, is pleased to help Kate Spade New York celebrate the new collection at an exclusive shopping event to be held on Tuesday, April 5^th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Gold Coast store (56 Oak Street).   

Tickets go on sale this Thursday, March 31^st at noon on www.giltcity.com/chicago and are $25.00 a piece.  Wedding cocktail hour faves will be served alongside champagne and guests will enjoy 20% off all purchases made that evening.  Always one to surprise and delight members, Gilt City also has some amazing giveaways and additional event activities lined up!

Shopping: Spring/Summer 2011

Despite the fact that Chicago just refuses to warm up, I am putting the finishing touches on my spring/summer fashion list. My shopping budget is small this year because there are a few trips I plan to take and I have a lot of unworn clothes I purchased last year. I am an admitted clothes hoarder; I’ll buy something cute, hang it in my closet and forget about it.

Sunday night I moved a lot of forgotten items to the front of my closet, removed the tags, and added them to my wardrobe tracking spreadsheet. That was two hours of my life that I’ll never see again… After that task, I was able to finalize my shopping list.

My List:

• Wide leg jeans from the Gap – Loving this 70s style that is so hot right now
• Neutral color wedges
• Striped tees – white w/ navy stripes, white w/ red stripes, white w/ black stripes, white w/ gray stripes - A must have for nautical ensembles and to mix with floral prints!
• A neutral Birken-esque bag
• Lightweight abstract and/or floral tunics
• A Grecian style Maxi dress
• Denim jacket

Gap Wide Leg Trouser Jeans

Benck Wedges - Aldo

Iveans Wedges - Aldo

Dalpe handbag - Aldo

Tellis handbag - Aldo

Rachel Pally Grecian inspired maxi dress

What's on your spring/summer shopping list?

China Glaze Island Escape Collection

ESCAPE THIS SUMMER WITH HIGH SHINE AND BRIGHT SHIMMER

China Glaze Introduces Six Sizzling Shimmers and Cremes

Los Angeles, CA – (October 2010): Take an exotic island escape with China Glaze this summer with a tropical, shimmering rainbow of brilliant bright colors! Mix and match these hot hues to add a candy-like pop to that summer manicure and pedicure. Colors in the collection include:
· Papaya Punch: Crème based vivid orange.

· 108 Degrees: Flirtatious berry pink with specks of micro glitter.

· Senorita Bonita: Passionate purple shimmer with pink micro glitter.

· Blue Iguana: Bold and daring sparkly blue.

· Cha Cha Cha: Vivacious shimmer green.

· Electric Pineapple: High intensity crème based lime green.

Escape this summer to a far away place with China Glaze. Vacation in color!

The China Glaze Island Escape collection will be available as open stock colors, 6 piece box collection, 6 piece counter display, 12 piece counter display and 36 piece rack.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: http://www.chinaglaze.com/ or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International IndustriesFor nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women. Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: http://www.aiibeauty.com/

# # #

Weekend Mani: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Bittersweet

Check out my manicure from Friday. The polish is Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Bittersweet. I love this color, a rich, super dark chocolate brown. Bittersweet was a part of the Fall 2010 color collection. This will be my last dark mani for the season, time to lighten up for spring. 

Taken after nails were dry with my BB Camera

Taken a few hours later. Added one of my favorite cocktail rings.

I wonder if I could get a side hustle as a hand model. I should look into that... Anyway, Sally Hansen Complete Manicure is the drugstore equivalent to the salon brands in my opinion. When the new collections hit the stores, grab them because once they are gone, it is impossible to find them! I still have been unable to find ANY of the Tracy Reese collection. 



Disclosure: This post is based on a product that I received for consideration by the company.

Show Me the Blog Updates

As the Communications Director for this year's Show Me the Blog Social Media and Blogging Conference, I want to keep my Stylish Life crew in the loop because I know you all plan to register and attend (not so subtle hint there). 

So here is what is going on at Show Me the Blog headquarters this week:

-  We debuted a sleek new web design.

-  We have a new sponsor on board! Yay!!

-  There are TWO scholarships to attend Show Me the Blog. Click here for more information.

-  Robyn Wright shared her 2010 Show Me the Blog experience. 

-  Exercise your right to VOTE

And last but certainly not least, we have sponsorship opportunities available. Show Me the Blog Social Media and Blogging Conference 2011 will be a highly interactive conference between attendees and their social media communities. Becoming a sponsor provides unlimited exposure for your brand. Your samples, marketing and promotional materials will be in the hands of new media influencers. Bloggers and social media enthusiasts are the most respected and regarded providers of information, news, and product reviews. As a sponsor, your brand or product will reach across multiple platforms, which translates into inquiries and potential sales. The benefit and ROI is immeasurable.

Show Me the Blog is the perfect place for your brand. For more information, please email us!

 

Meagan Good {Torn}

Urban actress, Meagan Good seems to favor ripped jeans, tiny tops, leather jackets, and knee high boots. She is definitely a celebrity who is not heavily into current trends and does her own thing. I can respect that, but what I have an issue with is how unpolished she typically looks.

I'm all for looking sexy for a night out and tastefully showcasing the girls but this threadbare tank top with a couple of faux strategically placed rips and visible bra business screams cheap and raggedy.

What is the point of the navy blue suspenders just hanging there? And the lone, extended feather earring? Her look is ALL over the place.

I believe in balance with style. The leather moto jacket, ripped jeans and boots are just enough edge. Miss Good should have opted for a nice intact black tank top.

I feel some sort of way about her "Louis Vuitton" case too but I'll stop now...

What do you think of Meagan Good's look? Does she need to revamp her style?



















 

Shoe-La-La {Wish I was a little bit taller edition}

My mind is all set for SPRING. I've been working on my SPRING style inspiration board, now if the weather would hurry up and work with me, all would be right in my world!

My feet are dying to be set free from constricting shoes and boots. I'm a peep toe and sandal loving lady.

During my online window shopping this week, I fell in shoe-love with Krugh from Aldo.



Heel: 5'5" and Platform: 1.25"

That's a lot of heel and I am up for the challenge. If I wear those, I'll be close to 5'8". A trip to Aldo to test walk these lovelies is in order for the weekend ;)

Grooming (or lack thereof)

I posted the following statement on Facebook early this morning:

I DESPISE a poorly groomed man. Dude has a scraggly, lint infested beard, his locs are LOOOONG overdue for a good wash & retwisting. Crazy dirt beneath his nails, chapped lips, horrendous breath. Damn!!! *gagging*

I ride the same bus every morning to work when I don't feel up to the four block walk to the train. My Facebook message was about a man I see when I’m on the bus. On Wednesday I had the misfortune of sitting next to him. There I was sitting there reading a magazine, when this foul stench assaulted my nasal passages. My seatmate was a mouth reader and that foul stench was his breath. Excuse me...It was not even 7:30 a.m. Why oh why was his breath SO TERRIBLE???? The remainder of my bus ride was less than pleasant. I was unable to move because the bus was overly crowded, so I suffered in silence.

This morning I boarded the bus and saw the odoriferous man again. I found an empty seat away from him and gave him a long hard look. That long hard look prompted my Facebook update. I was in utter shock at the way he chooses to present himself to the world. Clearly he does not have a good woman in his life or perhaps he does and just does not care how he looks. His hands were ashy; his lips were so chapped they were peeling. He appears to have a job so why does he walk around looking so unkempt?

Women love men who take pride in their appearance. The quickest way to turn a woman off is to look as though you just rolled out of bed and started your day. I suggest the man from the bus invest in the following essentials quickly or get used to the cruel stares of strangers.

• Lip balm – I like Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm.

• A tin of Altoid Smalls – those tiny mints do the trick!

• Hand cream – Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Cream

• A travel toothbrush and toothpaste – Brush after every meal.

In addition to these essentials, he should find a good loc maintenance person, invest in a quality rechargeable shaver, schedule a dentist appointment, and clip and clean beneath his nails. A little upkeep and investing in yourself can take you far in this world.



THIS!!!!!



NOT THIS...





March 8, 2011: My Janet Jackson Concert Experience

As everyone knows, Tuesday, March 8th was Janet Jackson Day. All day I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation. My productivity at work was extremely low – I could barely focus on anything. I am an unapologetic, die hard; own every CD, DVD, lifelong fan so you can imagine how frantic I was for the concert. Don't mess with me about Janet!

The energy outside the Chicago Theatre was CRAZY! The fans were beyond ready. Once we were allowed inside, I made a beeline to purchase a program and tee shirt. I was escorted to my seat by a friendly upbeat usher who told me I was in for quite a show. My seat was on the main floor in perfect view of the stage, I got settled, chatted with some people nearby; saw a few friends, and spent time texting and checking Twitter. Mindless Behavior, a tween group took to the stage. They were good but definitely not for my demographic. I was eager (very) for them to get through their set. They were cute and energetic but I can only take so much auto-tune.

Once they were done, everyone knew it was only a matter of minutes before chaos erupted. The intensity inside the theatre was HIGH. We were ready. The lights came down and everyone jumped up. Was this it? Was the queen about to take the stage? No. The video of Janet announcing her tour began. Everyone in the audience jumped to their feet and started screaming. The video All For You began. All For You is the song Janet dedicated to Chicago. The crowd was going crazy. I knew in a few more minutes I was about to lose my sh*! And just like that, the icon burst on stage in a skin tight black cat suit and SHUT THE ENTIRE PLACE DOWN!!!!!!!!!! I was on one hundred and ten! I was screaming and jumping up and down like a maniac. The lady in the seat in front of me dropped to the floor and her husky boyfriend was going bananas as well. Really, dude???

Janet’s first song was Pleasure Principle, followed by a medley of tracks from Control. I had my camera but I was having too much fun singing and dancing to take pictures and besides Janet was commanding that stage with her trademark fierce moves, I need a camera equipped to take action shots. I found this footage on You Tube.



After the high powered dance moves, Janet left the stage and clips of her various acting roles were shown -Penny from Good Times, Charlene from Different Strokes, Justice from Poetic Justice, and Pat from Why Did I Get Married Too – yes, the golf club smashing glass tables scene. The audience really screamed loudly during that clip. The lights went low and Miss Jackson was back in a lavender gown with silver spikes on the shoulders and a KILLER silver pair of Christian Louboutins. She sang Nothing, Come Back to Me, Let’s Wait Awhile. Following the slow songs, Janet kicked things back into high gear. She killed I Get Lonely.

This was truly an amazing concert. I laughed, danced, sang, and cried during the end when she performed Together Again as pictures of her and Mike flashed across the screen. Two days later and I am still on a Janet Jackson high. She is indeed an artist and a true performer. Twenty five years in the industry and still tearing a stage up, Miss Jackson you are and forever will be my idol!

The Trench Gets Edgy

The Burberry Prorsum Gabardine Studded-Trench from the Spring 2011 collection needs to be in my closet. The always classic double-breasted trench gets revamped with gold studs and a leather belt. Absolutely HAUTE!!
The coat costs $3,595.00. I wonder if there are plans to whip up a knock off version. If you are feeling crafty, I suppose you could take last year's trench and add your own studs.

Isn't it gorgeous?

R&B singer and Laker wife, Monica wore her Burberry trench 

to support hubby Shannon Brown at last nights game.   

Why is high end fashion so out of my budget? Why do I ALWAYS like the expensive, pretty things?? Will someone buy this coat for me? I'll be forever grateful *smile*

No, My First Name Ain't Baby... It's JANET!!!!

After weeks of waiting, tonight is the night - I'm going to see Janet in concert! Woo-hoo!! Can you all tell that I'm kind of a big fan of hers???? LOL!!! I'll post some pics and video tomorrow.

I Hate to Toot My Own Horn... TOOT-TOOT!

The power of the web is just remarakable and I am so thankful for all the friendships I have made online that have become off line friendships as well. My good friend, Miss Danyelle, blogger and social media darling is gearing up for her second annual Show Me the Blog Social Media and Blogging Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. And that is not all, yours truly is a part of the Show Me the Blog team. *horn tooting starts now* Feel free to toss some confetti too... I'll wait.

This year, I'm the Communications Director for Show Me the Blog. Yay me!!!!

For more information:

Latest Show Me the Blog post

2nd Annual Show Me the Blog press release

By the way, presale tickets are available now!!! $50.00 for the full conference or $35.00 for one day.

Haute Bag Lady Bag of the Week

I am having SERIOUS heart palpitations over this week's bag. Check out Cole Haan's Vintage Valise Jenna Shoulder Bag.

Isn't she a beauty? Can't you just smell the rich leather? Come on, inhale that buttery leather with me, nice huh??

Small in size but big on details, the Jenna is a gorgeous bag to carry your essentials while having brunch with friends or an afternoon lunch date. Yes, I plan my handbags according to what I'll be doing. I'm known among my friends as the Purse Whisperer.

What do you my bag loving ladies think of this week's pick?

Picture courtesy of Nordstrom.com