Fabulous HOT Pink Lips!

In case it isn't obvious....I love lipstick! My face feels naked when I don't have any on. I got hooked on lip stains a few years ago. Since then I've used several. Recently, I've been obsessed with the pink lip stain from Sephora....Its a FABULOUS alternative to red. Find more of my Beauty Must Haves on my Sydewalk! More posts to come!  xox

 

https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/32/beauty-must-haves/

 

 

Fabulous Couscous Salad for Fabulous Hot August Nights!

Here is a quick easy go-to salad I've been making all summer. I probably need to make bigger batches of this because it is so yummy and healthy. I usually serve it with grilled chicken or salmon, and of course a glass of ice-cold Cakebread Chardonnay.

Couscous Salad

1 cup of whole wheat couscous prepared according to directions

1/2 cup of diced and peeled cucumber

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/4   cup of chopped basil

2 tablespoons of Orange Muscat Champaign Vinegar (Trader Joe's)

2 tablespoons of EVOO

Dash of sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Mix veggies then add the couscous once it is cooled down. Add vinegar and olive oil.
Chill for thirty minutes before serving.



Pop open your favorite glass of vino and enjoy!
 

I Dare You To Find A More FABULOUS Shoe!

Blame it on my country roots, passion for rock music, or DNA...it doesn't matter if it's in or out, I love fringe.  I gravitate towards it on anything from jewelry to clothing, and especially shoes and purses. I remember wearing a dress with fringe dangling from a asymmetrical hemline to a high school formal. Come to think of it, knowing me, I would totally wear it again if I ever found it at my mom's house. Needless to say, there have been too many fringed-fashion moments to count since. Now that it's making a comeback, I'm ready to pull a few items out of closet Purgatory. As a result, I just took my Prada gold bag with fringe tassels, (circa this-past-decade) to the cosmetic cobbler for a much needed nip and tuck. Now, I desperately need a pair of shoes with fringe. Here are some I stumbled upon while shopping... I am literally dying over each and every one of these fabulous, fringed beauties.

Giuseppe Zanotti Design fringed sandals

Steve Madden Fringe High Heels Black Suede

Via Spiga Tolsa High Heels Black/Gold Kid Suede/Multi Chain

Schutz Carmen Fringe Sandals

 

Christian Louboutin Fringed Otrot Sandals

 

 

 

 

Crisis Averted! When your dress fails you, here are 5 things you can do!

We have all been there and it's not pretty, you bought the perfect dress for a special night out or event, you go to put it on and something awful has happened....it has a tear, it doesn't fit, a strap broke....or worse it looked amazing in the fitting room (I'm convinced some stores have fun house mirrors) and you get it home and....hate it. Here are a few ways to make sure you still look and feel FABULOUS!

1. Have a backup in mind... ALWAYS.

This may seem obvious but you need a backup look in your closet at all times. That means having shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup all mentally planned and ready to go. Sort of like carrying Advil in your purse for an emergency, you need to have a party look ready to go at the drop of a hat. Pick a dress or outfit that has some stretch to it and that will accommodate any highs and lows you may be experiencing, or a loose sheath style. I have a little black silk dress that's loose and it doesn't matter if I'm bloated or at my fighting weight. It works with boots, wedges and pumps. I can switch up my jewelry to dress it up or down. I also have white dress like this and an orange one. I have worn these "backup" looks enough to replace my backups!






This dress is similar to a "back up" I have. I can layer fun babbles with it and dress it up or I can throw on a scarf and leather jacket with boots. It's light weight for travel and is ultra accommodating if I'm feeling a bit bloated.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tildon-racerback-shift-dress/4032537?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black&resultback=1420


Think outside the box. It doesn't always have to be a LBD. Sometimes a natural hue can be just as chic and dressy. I would add a big statement necklace or layered gold chains and simple earrings. This dress has endless possibilities.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tildon-boatneck-crepe-shift-dress/3636280?origin=related-3636280-0-1-PP_4-Rich_Relevance_Recs_API-250459&recs_type=related&recs_productId=3636280&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=1&recs_placementId=PP_4&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_API&recs_strategy=250459&recs_referringPageType=item_page




Ditto for this, it's simple and can be dressed up or down. I'd throw this on over leather leggings or wear espadrilles and big hoop earrings.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/astr-lace-trim-shift-dress/3834256?origin=related-3834256-0-3-PP_4-Rich_Relevance_Recs_API-250459&recs_type=related&recs_productId=3834256&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=3&recs_placementId=PP_4&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_API&recs_strategy=250459&recs_referringPageType=item_page

*Be sure your back up dress is solid and without print so if you have to wear it multiple times and you're photographed you can make your look fresh with different accessories each time.


2. Don't neglect undergarments!

This is literally the biggest overlooked game-changer. Undergarments can do what no gym, plastic surgeon or magic fairy can do. There is a world of possibilities. Go and stock up for any and every cut of dress. You won't be sorry!

Just this past weekend I went to put on a dress that I had worn once before. It fit like a like couture in the store then when I went to put it on again it just didn't fit as well. To start the dress wasn't very fitted and it was strapless. I even had my back up dress on stand by but my heart was set on this simple back strapless. I decided to double up on my strapless bra's. I first put on the one that was the snuggest, then a looser one over it for double support. I will admit it wasn't the most comfortable thing but, a girls has to do what a girl has to do sometimes!

3. Needle and thread....

I used to be terrified of this combo. Growing up I handed anything that needed mending to my very capable mom. Once I left home for college I took things to the dry cleaner if they needed attention. Recently I've been in a few situations where I've only had the option of bucking up and doing it myself. It's not difficult and with a little practice it is well worth acquiring this skill....I PROMISE you will find yourself in a situation where you wish you knew how to stitch a busted strap or unsightly tear.

4. Lemon water the day before.

I swear by this. I guzzle lemon water for a few days before an event. If the dress is snug it will help. I also like to feel my best before I go somewhere special so if there is a dress mishap I don't feel bad from the inside out. If I eat heavily salted foods in the days before an event I feel bloated and icky. I also notice it helps my skin and mood to not feel weighted down with heavy meals.  

5. Don't forget your coat or wrap.

Unless you are attending something in sweltering heat with no opportunity to go indoors then you'll need a coat or wrap. I always find this last piece of the puzzle to either be a life saver or the most difficult part of the ensemble. If you'll be indoors where the air-conditioned will be cranked up or it's winter, sometimes a blazer or sweater can be just the perfect thing to hide any dress mishaps and you can still wear an overcoat.

I remember one time when I was pregnant I bought a cute dress to wear to a wedding. Two weeks later on the day of the event I went to put my dress on and it wouldn't zip up. I didn't have a back up dress and the one I was attempting to squeeze into was the closest thing I owned to something that fit. I put a long silk coat with three quarter length sleeves that went with a different dress. I changed my jewelry and wore a long necklace to go with the long coat and pinned the dress in the back. Needless to say I never took the coat off and a lesson was learned...the hard way.

Lastly.....

I've had many dress mishaps, too many to count. Now, I try to be as prepared as possible I have tape, thread, stain remover and everything in-between in a convenient little "emergency bag".  I made it myself based on accidents I've had in the past and it has saved me more than once. Not to mention my friends or strangers. But alas, one thing I know for sure... once you have a glass of bubbly most of your dress woes will fade away and you'll have a fabulous evening!







 

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!