Gel Nails At Home

I am obsessed with my nails. Ok, not obsessed but they are definitely a priority in my grooming routine.

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I am not adventurous when it comes to patterns and colors but I definitely love a good manicure.

I had a mentor in the fashion industry years ago that made a comment to me once about always noticing women’s nails in job situations. It stuck with me.  And let me tell you, now my husband is the first to notice when my nails aren’t done!

Then came the gel nail. Perfect for me, it lasts 2 to 3 weeks for me and looks perfect.  But time doesn’t always allow me to get to the salon (enter two girls under 5!).

I decided to try the Sally Hansen Insta Gel Strips and thought I would share my experience with you …

photo-5Sally Hansen Insta Gel Strips Kit $29

I parked in the front of the t.v. and decided to give it a try!

photo-6The ‘Before’

photo-7‘During’

and

photo-8and ‘After’.

They don’t look too bad. For my first time, I gave myself a 6 out of 10! I little practice and it could look even better.  (FYI, I didn’t love the color – it definitely didn’t look as metallic in the pic. Oh well!)

Anyone tried it?

I have to say  though – there is something that I love about going to the salon and having them done.  This could be a great way to not have to go in every month for sure!

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie

 

 

 

Happy Easter = Happy Fashion

Happy Easter  =   Happy Fashion

Any excuses to wear floral prints, bright colors and/or lace this weekend?  I got one, Easter!  Not everyone celebrates, but those that do want to look their best.

These are some looks I have been scoping out for this years Easter celebration (and not only for me but for my daughters as well).

Adrianna Papell Scalloped Lace Dress

$138 at Nordstrom

Worn as is- perfection!

Xhilaration Juniors Keyhole Dress

$24.99 at Target

Pair it with a White cardigan and Nude t-strap sandals.  This one won’t break your bank either.

Jack by BB Dakota Cherry Chiffon Dress

$59 at Urban Outfitters

Wear it with shoes below and you got the look!

Rilo Wedges

$89 at Lucky Brand

Ponte Full-Skirt Dress

$130 at Banana Republic

Add a big chunky necklace and Floral-print pumps.

Miss Me Jeans, Skinny Floral-Print

$99 at Macy’s

For a more casual look, pair it with a pewter peplum tee.

i jeans by Buffalo Lace-Front Chiffon-Back Top

$25 at JC Penny

Go bold with this tank, white skinnies and shoes below (don’t forget the bunny ears though).

DV Footwear ‘Greer’ Flat

$78.95 at Nordstrom

NEXT UP, looks for my daughters (and yours as well).

Sydney, my almost 3 year old is like a princess and tomboy all wrapped up in one.  The first look is what I would like to see her in, the second look is what she will most likely end up wearing.

Isobella and Chloe Dress

$50 at Nordstrom

Darling, sweet, great color and just the right amount of tutu.

Harajuku Mini for Target Toddler Girls Short Sleeve Dress- Yellow

$20 at Target

Love Gwen’s Harajuku Mini line at Target so don’t get me wrong, just not what I would pick for Easter Sunday.

Now for Skyler my 7 month old, she has no choice but to let me pick her outfit.  I won’t pick a dress for her though because it is not functional for me to hold her with one on- they ride up so easily.  Therefore, I will pick more of a romper style.

Chambray short one-piece

$29.95 at Gap

You can add so much to this, cute hair accessories for sure and maybe even a little colorful cardigan.

‘Ardmore’ Romper Infant

$30 at Nordstrom

Love this pattern and looks so comfortable for the little one.

Here’s to the Easter Bunny putting a Nordstrom Gift Card into your Easter Basket this year!

Happy Shopping, Happy Spring, Happy Easter to all!

Signing off in Style from San Diego,

Tina Carreras

Girls Night Out in Houston!

You are invited – that is, of course if you live in Houston!

Tonight is the Girls Night Out Event at The Willowbrook Mall

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Style Spies is helping put on this awesome event and we hope to see everyone out tonight!

There will be:

Swag Bags (lots of goodies!)

Bobbi Brown Makeovers

Bath & Body Hand Massages

Temporary Highlights

Hair Styling

Door Prizes

A Chance to win a $500 Shopping Spree

Music

Food

Drinks

Discounts at participating stores throughout the mall …

& MORE!!!

Oh … and there’s MORE!!!  Willowbrook has teamed up with NAM – Northwest Assisted Ministries -

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“Like” the Willowbrook Mall Facebook Page today and tomorrow and they will donate $1 for every new person – an EASY way to help an awesome ministry in our backyard.

Come out tonight between 6 and 9pm TONIGHT (at the Macy’s entrance) -

See you there!

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie

Oscar Dresses for Less 2013

 Oscar season not only gives us the chance to ‘ooh and ahh’ over what they all wear but also sets the trend for dresses!

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We found a few replicas that you may enjoy after the big night -

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La Femme Metallic Gown

We loved Jessica’s dress – this metallic gown gives us the same feel and silhouette for less.

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Alice + Olivia Peplum Gown

We think Charlize could show up in a paper bag and still pull it off but her peplum long dress was amazing. The Alice + Olivia may not be white but we love it!

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Marchesa Strapless Dress

Plum looked gorgeous on Jennifer Garner and it is a great color for most to pull off. This Marchesa strapless dress is beautiful.  We see plum in our futures!

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Sue Wong Strapless Mermaid Dress

Jennifer Lawrence is THE ‘it’ girl right now and her dress is right up there.  We think this Sue Wong dress is a great runner up to her Dior.

Now we need to find somewhere to wear these dresses!!!

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie

Oscar Fashion 2013

We wouldn’t be living up to our name if we didn’t have a little commentary about last night’s dresses at the Oscars.  I am not sure how you watched the Oscars last night, but I went to a girlfriends house, had a little fondue and gabbed about the best and worst dressed with some of my besties.  Nice, right?

We had some agreement and disagreement on the night’s fashion, but here are our overall conclusions:

Best Dressed – Top 3

Jennifer Garner in Gucci.  

The ruffled train was spectacular and really worked with her amazing, mother-of-3 children- figure.  Oh, and the 2.5 million dollars worth of Neil Lane jewels looked nice too.

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Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive.  

She looks like a female version of Oscar himself!  So gorgeous yet understated; perfectly accessorized.  

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Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture.

Up close I’m not crazy about the the floral design, but the body and the flow of the dress worked perfectly for her.  We all agreed that the necklace that hung down her back was AMAZING.  Really made the dress younger and more ‘her.’

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Best Dressed – just not the top 3

Octavia Spencer in Todashi Shoji.

The buttery yellow color, the off the shoulder neckline, and her updo made this dress work for her.  We loved it.

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Jennifer Hudson in Roberto Cavalli.  

Navy just worked on her.  The long sleeves and high neckline *with a touch of see thru* was a nice change from the evening’s strapless gowns.   Just not so sure about that pose, right?

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Charlize Theron in Dior Couture.  

Let’s just be honest here.  What doesn’t Charlize look good in?  I even love her cropped blonde hair!  

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Worst Dressed

And the worst dressed?  Of course Helena Bonham Carter makes our list (didn’t feel the need to show you her get-up) – she always looks like a disaster.  It’s her thing.  But these two?  Come on ladies – hire better stylists!!  

Anne Hathaway in Prada.

 Baby pink, unfortunate darts, weirdly close to showing her rear end in the back (not in a sexy way) – this is a bridesmaid dress from 2002 she decided was Oscar worthy.  Uggggghhhh!  So wrong for so many reasons!  Especially since she won!  

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Kristen Stewart in Reem Acra.  

Her whole look makes me dislike her even more.  She looks like she just rolled out of bed and could care less about being presentable.  If she was going for ‘sexy bedhead’ it unfortunately just looks like bedhead.  Yuck. Honestly, I feel bad for the dress (and Reem Acra) because I don’t think she did it (or them) justice.

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And that’s our Oscar fashion round up.  There were a lot more dresses we liked, but we had to keep the list to a minimum.  What did you think?  What were your favorites?  

Halle Berry – did you love or hate?  

We love a good conversation on best and worst dressed, so please, chime in!

Signing off in style,

Mollie & Erin

 

 

I spy glowing like a celeb…

Living in Los Angeles, there are tons of people who are obsessed with celebs.  Well currently, I am obsessed with their skin…and this mask is used by plenty of stars in Hollywood (Nina Dobrev, Tommy Lee, Miley Cyrus…just to name a few).   It’s called Glam Glow…it is the Neiman Marcus Beauty 2012 Winner and it is even featured in a Forbes article!  With winter approaching, cold dry weather will become the norm and wreak havoc on your skin, so now is the time to fine tune your skin regimen.  Trust me…It’s the most amazing mask/exfoliant ever….

Glam Glow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask, 1.7 Ounce

It’s like unwrapping a present…

 

It contains Volcanic Rock, French Sea Clay and Green Tea Leaf Pieces.  No artificial colors, fragrances, contains antioxidants, cruelty free and 99% paraben free.

 

You apply the mask and let it dry for about 15 minutes, then you moisten your fingertips and massage the exfoliants into the skin as you rinse the mask off…and voila super soft, bright skin, smaller pores…it’s just amazing!!!

At first I was very skeptical, because I have very sensitive skin and the smallest thing irritates/breaks me out…plus I have heard all these “claims” before…but with Glam Glow…I don’t know if I will ever need a facial again!!!

Signing off in style,

Syreeta Rose

Bargain Shopping Sites – Oh MY!

It is that time of year when we are supposed to be done spending and playing catch up after the holidays, right?! Well then why do I keep finding boxes from my favorite UPS driver at my door everyday … AFTER HOLIDAY SALES!!

Speaking of sales, we wanted to share with you some of our secrets when it comes to shopping …

We LOVE a bargain and these favorite sites are the best (in our eyes) when it comes to bargain shopping.  Most of these sites have ‘sample sales’ or flash sales that only last a few days and when it’s gone, it’s gone!

Here is an insight to some of today’s sales …

In no particular order:

#1: Rue La La

Today they have the amazing Foley & Corrina bags…

‘Suede City’ Shoulder Bag

$425, on Rue La La for $199

#2: Gilt 

Today’s sale = Brian Atwood. Awesome.

‘Mortessa Bootie’

$729, on Gilt for $349

 #3: HauteLook

Today’s sale is Marika, perfect for our after holiday slim downs!

‘Tek Sole Constrast Jacket’

$88, on HauteLook for $22

For the kiddos, moms and babies:

#4: Zulily

Todays, sale is Swanky Baby Vintage, a favorite in our household!

‘Ava Skirt’

$30, on Zulily for $15

For the Home:

#5: Joss & Main

Today’s sale includes a ‘French Farmhouse’ look.

‘Berdine Pillow’

$75, on Joss & Main for $45

 and last but not least …

#6: One Kings Lane

Today’s sale includes some great gift ideas for the men in your life.

‘Silver Shaving Kit’

$97, on One Kings Lane for $57

Make sure to sign up on their sites to receive daily deals.  And let us know if you have any favorite sites we are missing.

Happy Shopping!

Signing Off In Style,

Erin & Mollie

Instagram is my new Facebook

 

A photo from my Instagram account – ‘molliespies’

I have found myself, in moments of calm, checking my Instagram account on my phone much more oftten than my Facebook.   Anyone else been doing this?  As much as I still do love Facebook, there’s something about just looking at pictures to inspire you rather than words.  Seeing what other people are doing, wearing, finding out there, all across the country – all through a picture.

So, I thought I’d share a few of the users I’ve recently come across on Instagram just in case ya’ll are like me.

 

First up:  ’B_Soup’

Lots of personal style and ideas you can steal to jazz up your wardrobe; Bethany also has a blog that will have you mixing and matching prints and colors you never would have dreamed in no time.

Her blog: http://bsoup.blogspot.com/

Next up:  ’cozycomfycouture

Fashionista turned domestic goddess after she tied the knot is how Dominique DeLaney describes herself.  She has adorable style, and  I also enjoy the pictures of her cute pup!  She has a lot of self-taken pictures of her outfit of the day (love this) as well as a lot of interior design pictures/inspiration.

Her blog: http://comfycozycouture.blogspot.com/

Third: ‘yourstylescout

Our very own Melanie Knopke (our KC Style Spy) is always inspiring me via Instagram.  Somehow she has mastered the whole ‘do your nails, then artfully hold the bottle of polish and showcase your work’ thing.  She has a nice mix of fun finds while out shopping from baby and kids stuff to mommy and home stuff.

Her Blog:  http://yourstylescout.blogspot.com/

 Fourth: ‘whhostess

Kelly Lyden is the Editor of the lifestyle + entertaining blog ‘The Party Dress’, designer of the social stationery shop ‘WH Hostess’, and creator of Cake Plate Clings.  She does it all – and lives in my neighborhood!  Need new stationary?  Have a birthday party, wedding shower, or baby shower to throw?  Go to Kelly’s instagram, blog, and website to be inspired!!!  She’s uber talented at making your party stylishly personal.  Or personally stylish.  ;-)

Her blog:  http://www.whhostess.com

Finally:  ’snoopnattynat’

Natalie’s signature pose in front of the mirror capturing what she’s put together for the day is what I look forward to!  She’s always got something cute on, and accessorizes to a T.  This girl is also ALWAYS cooking – and it ALWAYS looks delish.  Makes me want to uphold my new years resolution of cooking more for my family!

Her Blog:  http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com

Need more style inspiration via Instagram?  Here are some of my other favorites:

‘martinimakeup’

‘chasingdavies’

‘swankychicfete’

‘damselindior’

Signing off in style,

Mollie & Erin

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

It is that time of year … and if you are like me, I am almost done with my big gift buying but it’s the stockings that I am always scrabbling last minute!  I don’t like to spend a ton but love to fill the stockings with love!

Here are some things that I will be running out after…

For the Hubs -

To keep his techy side stylish …

J Crew Leather iPhone Case $38

To keep his skin in check … (this smells YUMMY too)

Neutrogena Triple Protect Lotion $6.99

Practical yet always good to have …

Brooks Brothers Collar Stays $9

and for his traveling days …

Tumi Passport Holder $19.99

For the Kiddos -

Our household favorite … (in fun Christmas colors of course!)

Piggy Paint Christmas Colors – $19

The girls are OBSESSED with this new movie … got a sticker book at the school book fair!

Princess and The Popstar Sticker Book – $8

For rainy (or snowy!) days with house filled tents …

Hello Kitty Flashlight $8

And for their school lunches and no spills …

Thermos Sippy Cup $16

And just in case Santa thinks I have been a good girl this year -

A scarf that goes with everything …

J Crew Printed Scarf $19

To keep me looking refreshed after lots of sleepless nights …

Rock Eye Cream $21

and for when the kids are in bed and I grab a glass of wine …

Tory Burch Signature Candle $40

I am sure I will be throwing in more as we get closer – I love the little gifts that reflect everyone’s lifestyle.

Let us know if you have any ideas to share with us!

Happy Stocking Stuffers!

Signing off in Style,

Erin & Mollie

Beauty Talk: Laura Mercier Favs

Though we have a whole category dedicated on this blog to beauty, we admittedly haven’t done much with it.  Funny, since ‘beauty’ is something we dabble in during our day to day.  One of my new year’s resolutions is to make more time in the mornings to put on a little make up and be more presentable on the days I’m just running around with my kids.  I always find time to make sure my outfit is complete, but not always my face!  That just seems backwards, right?

We thought we’d enlist in the help of a professional to help us find our daily favorites – enter my (Mollie’s) good friend and manager of the Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom in Overland Park, KS.  Maria Elena is a wife and mother of 2 little girls along with her full time job at Nordstrom.  She’s a longtime friend of mine from high school and we’ve always been able to agree on all things girly: fashion, beauty, dressing up, etc.

Maria Elena and her beautiful family

I asked Maria Elena to share her top 5 Laura Mercier items.  I’m sure naming just 5 items was hard for a beauty addict but to have someone in the industry pare it down for me was fabulous.  I will be checking these off my list in January as I make my resolution for more ‘me’ time in the morning before I leave the house.

 Maria Elena’s Top 5 Laura Mercier items: 

“Something that I share with many of my clients is the fact that I started in this role when Sophia (her 1st baby) was 8 weeks old.  I really keyed into certain items that would make my life and getting ready a lot easier.  I TRULY believe that even the busiest of moms or women in general, can take 5 minutes a day to make themselves feel a little prettier and put together.  It makes such a difference in your confidence. You’ll thank yourself later.” – Maria Elena
1. Eye Serum and Repair Eye Cream—-I couldn’t pick between the two.  The serum gives gorgeous luminosity for instant gratification and brightness around the eye, while also repairing lines and wrinkles.  And none of that matters if you have dry skin under your eyes, hence the eye cream.  Continuously hydrates for 24 hours.  It’s the BEST!
2.  Eye Basic in Flax—–This is by far the best eye primer on the market.  It brightens your eyes, keeps your shadow in place until the minute you wash it off, AND you can wear it just by itself, for those days when you are short on time.
3.  Tinted Moisturizer Compact—-this just came out and I can’t live without it.  It’s great to keep with you for touch ups or for travel, but it’s also great for quick, easy coverage.  And SPF 20!
4. Caviar Sticks—-The possibilites are endless!  You can wear them as a shadow, as a liner, as a base.  They are a 24 hour waterproof wear and so quick and easy.
5.  Tightline/cake liner—-This is Laura’s signature technique, and while it takes a few times to get the hang of it, once you have it down, you absolutely can’t live without it!  The way it opens up your eye and makes your lashes look fuller is insane.  I describe it as the thing models in picures have on when it looks like they have no makeup at all, but you know there has to be something making them look so flawless and yes, it’s Tightline!
There you have it – 5 great choices from a pro that won’t take more than 5 minutes to apply.
Except I have one addition.  I LOVE my new Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lipstick in Red Amour.  It is the perfect bright red – not too orange and not too blue in terms of undertones.
Maria Elena’s favorite color?  Plum Orchid.
Make it part of your new year’s resolutions to try out some of these great Laura Mercier products – and if you live in Kansas City, go see Maria Elena at the Oak Park Nordstrom store!  Not only is she an expert, but she’s super funny (always a necessity when trying new makeup!).
Signing off in style,
Mollie & Erin