Friday's Fanices #20: Red Carpet Ready

Friday's Fancies is here again, Yay! And this one may be my favorite to date, why you ask? Isn't this what all of us "fashion bloggers" dream about? Dressing for the red carpet? I know I do. I love reading posts of over the top hair, lusting over stunning makeup far too dark for everyday. and then there's the sparkle aspect. Lord knows I'm obsessed with sparkle and glitter (not quite sure when I became that girl, but I'm okay with it) and aren't sparkly jewels kind of a red carpet requirement? I think so.  

Jenny Packham Gown / Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps / KOTUR Clutch / Cartier Ring / Vintage Earrings

If there was ever a Friday's Fancies to go all out this is it. I mean, come on gal's this is the oscars. This is probably this most expensive outfit I've ever put together... but it's one of my favorites too. This weekend we will see hollywood glam at it's finest, and when I saw this dress I couldn't help but gasp. Grey. Sparkle. Vintage. Glamor. What more could you ask for? I wanted this dress to be the spotlight of the whole look, so I went with neutral accessories. Beautiful grey pumps. Just enough vintage jewelry with out over doing it. Plus just a hint of color with the clutch.

A beautiful intricate up-do and a perfectly crafted smokey eye. I'm dying. I need this outfit. Can I please go to the oscars and wear this? I'm sure I could give Anne Hathaway a run for her money.

So what do you lovelies have in store for the weekend? This girl and her hubby are in town tonight, but other than that I'm not sure. I feel like I need to take advantage of living in dc more... so I may go be a tourist... who knows.  Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

Color Crush: Poppy Red

I'm still loving all the pantone colors of 2013. After talking about Emerald, Dusk Blue and Grayed Jade I'm jumping to the other end of the spectrum: Poppy Red.

I went to The University of Georgia, our colors are red and black, so red has a special place in my heart. Not to mention my closet. By the time I graduated I'd managed to build up quite the collection of red clothing. Unfortunately they were mostly t-shirts and a few gameday dresses, so I haven't had many chances to wear the color since. Lately I've been feeling the urge to invest in a few new items. I picked up a poppy red coat last year, and its so lovely. A few new accessories and I'll be set. 

Dress / Top / Coat / Shorts / Flats / Bag / Bracelet / Ring / Hat

So what color are you crushing on?

February Birchbox Brag!

Guess what I'm bringing back?

Yep. That's right. It's been a hot minute since I've linked up with Katie and Tara, but like I said yesterday, I am refocusing the blog a bit-- back to basics if you will. Well, I have a makeup obsession--- and that's really why I started this blog--- but you wouldn't know it if you've been reading lately. #Fail. Oh well. There's no time like the present. So here's what I got in my Birchbox this month! 

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Birchbox says: To fully appreciate this dermatologist-quality scrub, a mini skincare lesson is in order. Let’s start with enzymes: these potent ingredients actually dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Microderm crystals, on the other hand, are ultra fine minerals that buff away tired skin. Vasanti’s multi-action exfoliator includes both enzymes and micro crystals, plus healing natural ingredients. The result? Renewed, decongested skin without any redness. A single tube will last you four to six months.

Blue Dog Belle says: I adore this stuff. I have been using it daily since I got it and I can tell such a huge difference. The micro-scrubbing power of this stuff is like nothing I've ever come across. It's definitely expensive, but a little seems to go a VERY long way. I'm so happy with this! I'd definitely recommend it!

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo

Birchbox says: if you’re a devoted Birchbox reader, you’re probably well aware that we have a serious infatuation with dry shampoo. Our latest obsession is this game-changer from hip brand TIGI. A couple of quick spritzes instantly zaps excess oil, perks up flat locks, and lets us go an extra day (okay, four) without shampooing.

Blue Dog Belle says: game-changer is not an understatement. Smells amazing. So effective. Dare I say it even lets me rock day 3 hair. Eww. I know. But its happened. I will DEFINITELY be buying a full size. 

Juicy Couture Couture La La 3.4oz

Birchbox says: Created with the fearless free spirit in mind, this brand new scent from Juicy Couture is a punk rock update on the original Juicy Couture. One part fruity, one part tart, and one part floral, it’s neither too sweet nor too girly. Plus, the glam bottle is worthy of a front-and-center spot on your vanity.

Blue Dog Belle says: I'm a big fan of Juicy perfumes, and this one is lovely. But it's not my favorite. It's a little youthful for me, but I think the birchbox description is definitely accurate. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

Birchbox says: Ever since we discovered Jouer’s best selling Luminizing Moisture Tint, the skin perfector has been our secret to getting a healthy, glowy complexion. We never thought anything could come between us and our beloved LMT—until we met this brand new mattifying version. The oil-free formula controls shine all day long and gives skin a soft, velvety finish. It blends in easily and keeps your face protected with SPF 15. We don’t see anything wrong with having two favorites.

Blue Dog Belle says: again, love the brand, not this particular product so much. I like fuller coverage foundations so this product is automatically not what I'm looking for. I felt that the pigment wore off quickly (with in 6 hours or so) and it didn't really keep me matte for long. If you're looking for a matte verion of their tints, this is definitely it. Just not the right formulation for me or my preferences. 

Ghirardelli Milk & Caramel SQUARES

Birchbox says: As Mary Kate and Ashley, Simon and Garfunkel, and Mickey and Minnie would probably attest, it takes two to make a thing go right. Enter our latest Birchbox Find: Ghirardelli’s melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate squares filled with velvety caramel. The individually-wrapped squares are perfect for snacking, and each is just under 75 calories. If you can be convinced to share, they make thoughtful treats for fellow chocolate-lovers.

Blue Dog Belle says: Okay. LOVE these, and I guess this month was valentines with lots of chocolate around, but I really want my birchbox to introduce me to new PRODUCTS not random chocolate I can buy at any corner store in North America.

That's all she wrote. I was a little disappointed in my box this month. I had some really great finds, but I'm not sure, I just wasn't wowed.  What did y'all think? Do you get birchbox too? 

Cocktail Hour: Honeyed Ginger

Happy Tuesday y'all! I'm a bit overwhelmed with everyone's responses to my post yesterday. I didn't actually make any decisions about following/unfollowing blogs, but I really appreciated your feedback and support! Sometimes I feel very alone in how overwhelming and time consuming blogging can be. Good to know I'm not.

Do y'all read Kate's blog? She designed my beautiful new blog, but she's also a blogger herself and announced  she's doing a Creative Cleanse this week and I loved the idea! I've decided to get back to basics a bit in attempts to get my blog juices flowing again. I realized it's been far too long since I've done a Friday Cocktail post... in fact I'm willing to bet the majority of you didn't even read this little blog back when I used to do them. I love my Friday Fancies link up too much, so I've decided to bring the Friday Cocktail series back under a new name: "Cocktail Hour." Today's the first installment! Yay! Who doesn't need a mid-week cocktail pick up? I know I sure could (don't worry, I'll at least wait until 6:00).

Last night I was thinking about what to make for this inaugural cocktail post I was flipping through an article about cooking with honey, and thus this delicious baby was born!

via

So, pretty right? I totally stayed up all night making this look pretty. Ha. Fail no... I threw this together in a plastic cup... not worthy of photography so I borrowed this picture from one of my favorite blogs. Calling a fail on myself here. Sorry. Never the less... you can make it pretty! Here's what you need...

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP fresh grated ginger
• 1 TBSP honey
• 1 jigger of gin
• 3 oz of gingerale
• lemon peel and 1 wedge for garnish

Directions

Warm the honey for about 30 seconds in the microwave for a thinner consistency. Muddle with the ginger and a lemon peel. Add gin. Strain over ice. Top with ginger-ale. Garnish with lemon. Enjoy

So easy right? So delicious. The spiciness of the ginger is absolutely perfect with the subtle sweetness of the honey. I'm thinking this could also be good with bourbon... If you try this let me know what you think! I promise to get my act together and actually take pictures next time.