My 5 Favorite Summer to Fall Treansitional Pieces!

The transition from Summer to Fall is tricky. In the morning you are freezing cold but by the afternoon you are boiling, peeling off the layers.....or worse, wishing you had worn something different. Here are my favorite pieces to help make this transition easier.

1. Open toe booties.....they are my favorite new staple and since you can't wear them in the rain, now is the time to enjoy!




2. Long vests.....they keep you warm and you can layer long sleeves under them and then wear them with a tank for a whole new look.










3. Rompers...yes, you read that right. You can wear them with tights in the morning but you can peel the tights off if it gets hot. Just be sure to shave your legs first!







4. Blanket scarf....it keeps you warm in the morning and can be ditched in the afternoon.



5. Capes. I love long capes on cold mornings and how they instantly make an outfit more streamlined and chic.





https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/30/paula-five-ways-to-fabulous-nordstrom-must-haves/
 

Who Say's You Have To Be A Superhero To Wear A Cape!?!

I LOVE extreme fashion. Jumpsuits, rompers, over the knee boots....if it's over-the-top... I'M IN! Over the last few years we've seen the caped dress slowly emerge. It remind me of the beautiful caped dress Jackie O wore once-upon-a-time. Now, the caped dress is back in a big way. It's got a modern chic feel... and I'm obsessed!

 

 

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

 

 

http://www.auemay.com/

 

 

Ralph Lauren

 

 

 

http://www.glamzelle.com/products/angel-of-the-dark-cape-dress

 

 

Kourtney Kardashian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Steps To Finding A Pair Of FABULOUS Sunglasses!

So, I went to try on sunglasses the other day. I do this often and leave empty handed because I like the glasses I already have better. This time, with my trusted coconut latte in hand and my two (brutally honest daughters) shopping a few stores down, I got serious. I was looking for cat eye, or aviators or the new circle glasses.  I was open minded to say the least.

I was looking for something to fit my face shape (oval)  and different from what I already have. I also wanted something to wear for early morning coffee runs when I don't have makeup on....

I tried on new Prada glasses and loved them until my daughter walked in and vetoed them. Apparently, they looked like I should be wearing them "on Halloween, and that's it, no where else."  Luckily, I'm used to their candor so I moved on to the next few pairs I had selected, but they all looked like ones I already have so I left empty handed.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect cat eye that isn't too extreme or dated. When I find them I'll tell you. In the mean time I did find a pair of big black aviators.

Here are a few questions I ask myself when shopping for sunglasses;

1. Does it flatter my face shape?

Know your face shape but don't let charts or old rules dictate what kind of glasses you can wear. I have an oval face and aviators typically make my face look droopy but I found a pair that were wide enough at the temple to actually look....just right.

2. Be sure to look at your profile.

3. Be sure to look at how the glasses look with your hair out of your face and up in a ponytail.

4. Look at them on your face in natural light. In most stores the sales associate will accompany you out into natural lighting with a mirror.

5. Notice the weight of them. Sometimes, if they are heavy after a while you can get a headache.

Happy Hunting!
xox


My new favorite glasses, Tom Ford.

https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/8/tom-ford-cyrille-aviator-sunglasses-co-neiman-marcus/ 





 

5 Reasons Why This Is the Holy Grail Of Foundaions!

I finally found the holy grail of foundation....MAKE UP FOR EVER recently came out with a new foundation  just as I was looking for something better than what I was using. It's called HD High Definition Foundation.  I was previously using a foundation that didn't break me out, but the colors were never right, and I was spending way too much time bronzing it up to make it match my ever-changing skin color. Finally, I decided, with literally thousands of options, I should be able to find something better...anything. I began test driving foundations for about a month, and much to my surprise, I actually didn't feel like I was settling when I tried this one. Here are the reasons why. 

1. I didn't break out.

This was HUGE for me. I literally held my breath each morning after I started wearing it before I looked in the mirror. I was expecting a new blemish to pop up, and to my surprise, I didn't have any unwelcome visitors! Hooray!

2.  The color match was perfect.

I have A LOT of yellow in my skin and it was absolutely identical to the color on my neck, which had some self-tanner on it.

3. It felt light.

It's not the lightest weight foundation as it's medium to full coverage, but it didn't feel overly heavy like other foundations I've recently tried.

4.  It looked great in pictures.

Haven't you ever noticed how your foundation can have a very different camera look? I struggle with this all the time. In the past my foundation has always looked too pink or just plain off. This is the first time I've actually liked the way my skin looks on camera.

5. It goes on easily and blends well.

I use either a blending sponge or brush, but either way it goes on easily and quickly because it isn't too thick.






                                      

In sunlight.

 

Without flash.

 

With flash.

 

A FABULOUS Wine And A FABULOUS Gift!

Sitting back at night and enjoying a crisp glass of my beloved Chardonnay is one of my favorite parts of the day and recently I've been crushing on a FABULOUS one... Smokepoint Chardonnay.  I was introduced to it last summer by a friend who gifted me a bottle and it is everything I look for in a Chardonnay. With palate components of lemon and hazelnut it has a distinctive flavor that begs to be sipped and enjoyed with all of the yummy tapas on my Summer menu.
 
My friend who gifted me the bottle just happens to be lucky enough to be married to Meggan Sorensen, the beautiful blond responsible for giving New Craft Cellars life. She along with her cousin founded the company in 2006 with the goal of making premium wine in close relationship with winemakers and grape growers from all over the world.   
 
As you may have realized by now, if I'm touting a wine, I promise you will love it. I am ultra picky about what I drink. I believe calories are to be exclusively wasted on decadent desserts and delicious cocktails and wine...period. 
 
After first trying it my first thought was "I have to share this." After all, that's what this blog is all about...me sharing things that I think are divinely fabulous. So, lucky you, I called my friend and asked him if he'd consider doing a little promo code for my readers and he agreed! Yay! 30% off!

Tonight I'll be having it with BBQed salmon, quinoa salad and watermelon...yumm!

He has agreed to keep the promo going until July 4th so hurry-hurry. Again, I promise you'll LOVE it  because it's FABULOUS! 

LINK
First Click  http://www.newcraftcellars.com/node/59 

DISCOUNT CODE
Upon Check out enter the code  Fabulous30   for a 30% discount
There is not a minimum or maximum to the order because at New Craft Cellars they are just that cool. So, enjoy and CHEERS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

How do Lululemons compare to Target's C9 by Champion? The results are shocking!

Have you ever wondered if the Wunder Under Pant is worth the price tag? I did, so I looked into it and you won't believe what I found out. Here is how it all started....

I love/am obsessed with designer brands and I confess I've fallen prey to buying something just because of the brand or label and no other reason. My Dior pants with leather flowers are an awful reminder of that. What was I thinking? It was the 90's and to be honest I have many mishaps to lament and laugh at. So, in an effort to be a good role model to my daughters I've made a serious effort to purchase things that are made well, fit well and fall into the category of Love (borderline obsession) and need (this isn't always fun but we all need socks, right?). I was at Target one day and I saw a pair of leggings hanging that looked eerily similar to my Lululemon's. I bought them thinking if I'd return them if I didn't like them. Well, I got them home, put them on.... and I was shocked!





Lululemon Wunder Under Pant

- Material: 82 % Nylon, 18 % Lycra- Spandex

-Price: $82-92.00

-One seam with clean front.

-Hemmed for free

-cute bag

-Small key pocket (ugh, please make them bigger, I want to put my phone in my pants!).

 http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/pants-yoga/Wunder-Under-Pant-Full-On-Luon?cc=17505&skuId=3599936&catId=pants-yoga

Target's Champion C9

- Material: 86 % Nylon, 14 % Spandex

-Price $39.00

-Small key pocket in the front (again, way too small for anything really).

-Double seams are along the front as opposed to the single seam of the Wunder but they are placed there more as a "style" or "look". I actually liked the placement of the seams.

http://www.target.com/p/c9-champion-women-s-premium-ankle-legging/-/A-15357311#prodSlot=medium_1_14&term=champion

Comfort

The Lulu's were superior. They fit better all around. The C9 I felt was too long in the waist, but I liked the length of the leg. There was no need to hem them. The good news is you can get your Lulu's hemmed gratis, that is a major perk!

Cost

Now to address the price tag. I realize you could buy two C9s for the price of one and since the fabric is so similar I really don't feel like I'm getting a MAJORLY superior product with Lulu. I think if I were comparing Chanel to Coach that price difference could be justified more easily. All things considered  C9 really held their own. Plus, I feel a little more reckless in my C9s. When I have them on I'll haphazardly handle food in the kitchen and pay little attention to a splatter of olive oil if I'm making dinner. If I have on my Lulu's I want to protect them a bit more.

Sizing

The C9 comes in XS, S, M and so on and the Lulu's come by numbers and run small. I wear anywhere from a size two to six depending on fit so I bought the small and my Lulu are a four. Not sure if that helps you but don't buy the XS C9 if you wear anything larger than a two or they will be too tight.

The bad.

I have a complaint about each of them...PLEASE put a pocket that fits an iPhone. Obviously I can fit a credit card in the pocket but I rarely (if ever)  need a credit card when I'm out on a walk or in a studio. Does anyone? Isn't that what a purse/car/lockers are for? Yes, I know it is for my keys but I really want to stuff my phone into that tiny pocket when I doing things around my house. I'm a total creature of ease and practicality when it comes to some things...other things not so much...

Conclusion.

This was an easy call since I was comparing just the two brands. Lulu won...HOWEVER the C9 were a close second. They felt comfy on and they performed just as well as far as keeping moisture in check. My Lulu's do feel a bit softer, I assume that is because it has a bit more Lycra/Spandex. But my skin is highly sensitive to texture so if you are normal (unlike me) you may not notice.

Lastly, when it comes to my workout wear I'm all about function and fit. This is a highly individual thing so you may have a different experience but I hope this helps!

*Remember, with your workout wear, don't use fabric softener or put them in the dryer on high heat. I made this mistake once and they looked like they needed Botox after!

Manolo Blahnik Has 5 FABULOUS Pumps You Need To See Now!

How could your Saturday night not be FABULOUS once you slip one of these beauties on?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.manoloblahnik.com/

 

 

Have a FABULOUS night! xox

 

 

 

 

White On White.... Get This Look On Fleek And Look FABULOUS!

We've all see the denim on denim look and recently white on white has been popping up everywhere. If you plan on getting on board with this look there are a few things you need to know first. Like how can you make this work and not look like the milk man circa 1976.

The key to this is to be sure the tones match. Everything pretty much has an undertone,  some whites have a bit of yellow, some have blue. If the white is shocking and bright it probably has a blue undertone. If the white has warmth to it, it most likely has a yellow/beige undertone. White will only go with other whites that have the same under tone. If they don't match the look will be off and the white with a yellow undertone will look dirty or dingy against the white with a blue undertone....and that is not what you are going for.

Here are some examples of how to rock white and look effortlessly-chic and FABULOUS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip* Shopping in a store and making purchases within the same collection usually means the dye lot will be consistent and therefore the whites will match. Also, mixing textures helps this look stay fresh as opposed to looking uniform.

 

Get your white on and subscribe! xox

 

 

 

Enough said.......

Why I Never Deviate From These 5 FABULOUS Nail Colors.

I actually didn't know I was doing this deliberately until I went to Nordstrom one day and saw a few shades of polish that brought out an inner revolt. They were the hottest colors of the season and I hated them. To me they looked... dare I say, tacky. Please tell me you have all thought this at one time or another, please? I just couldn't pull the trigger. I had to obey the inner side of me that dominates my every vain decision and pass them up. Now, I just know, unless a polish is a shade of Red, Pink, Nude, Noir or Clear...forget it.

Here are the 5 shades I think are always FABULOUS!

1. Clear

A coat of clear gives your nails a polished and sophisticated look with out being "over done". I like to use Butter, Hoarse Power. It's strengthening and it doesn't look too shiny, rather it gives your nails a healthy glow.

With that said, there is a time and place for shiny natural nails and these are my favorites.

 

 

2. Nude

I love nude nails. During the fall I prefer a truer-to-my-skin-tone nude and a deeper shade of bronze during the summer. It is subtle, chic and goes with every lip color and outfit choice.

3. Red

Nothing is hotter than a glossy red nail. I especially love the classic look of a matching nail and lip. I think this combination is overlooked and adds a certain polish to a formal look. During the holidays is may seem cliché to have red nails but to me it is fun. Also, a deep shade of red with a LBD is just downright sexy!

 

 

 
4. Pink

Pink is soft and reminds me of spring. It can also be bold and pop.  Pink nails with a floral dress is romantic feminine.  I don't mind being girly but for those of you who don't, think about how edgy black and gold jewelry could compliment a buff pink nail.   

 

 

 

 

5. Noir

 

This is my go to color. I love how sophisticated it looks. It works on all skin tones, always looks chic (the word chic must have a image of dark nail accompanied by a monochromatic outfit if you google it!).  But warning, if it chips nothing, I mean nothing looks worse.

 

 

 

 

 

Please share and subscribe! xox