The Winner of Advanced Face Firming Activator

Drumroll please! The winner is: Julie K.!!! Congratulations!

Celebrity Chic But Cheap:Jessica Alba

Jessica, this is about where I'm at on these in-between days we are having here in the midwest.

It starts off cold in the morning and then becomes humid by midday.

So I wear something like jeans, tanks, scarfs and everything in between.

I like your wide leg jeans-a refreshing change from all the skinnies- but those pockets on the front may make some of us who have hips look even bigger.

I love your casual look and your matching Chucks!

Here's my re-creation below from Old Navy and Gap:

*** To view items or stores in greater detail, just click on the image below***

celebrity chic but cheap: Jessica Alba by real style real people featuring Old Navy

What To Bring To The Beach

I am doing a guest appearance today on a local Cleveland TV show called That's Life with television personality/celebrity Robin Swoboda.


They asked me to do a spot on affordable beach items (not including bathing suits).


So I did the very hard work ;) of going shopping for my items, and here they are, all from STEIN MART (except for random sunscreen items, football and The Host book from Target):



So, there's swimsuit cover-ups, beach totes, sun hats, sunscreen, chapstick, flip flops, beach towels, a rolling beverage cart, a book, a ball to toss around, and a water bottle to keep you hydrated.

Did I miss anything?

Here's a picture of my last appearance on the show (I'm on the far right) as a guest with two friends (they asked me back to do this segment today).

Here we are with show's host, Robin Swoboda:

WISH ME LUCK!

Spring Summer 2009: Casual Skirt Outfits

Skirts are fun, flirty and pretty!

Instead of wearing shorts or capris this spring and summer to run around with the kids, to a barbecue, or to run errands, how about substituting a summer skirt?

You can still wear you flats or flip flops to feel comfy. Your skirt can be worn with a simple tank or tee!

You will feel fresh and feminine!


Here are some ideas all between $50-$75 for the complete outfit!

From Old Navy:


Old Navy Skirts by real style real people featuring Old Navy


From Forever 21:

Forever 21 skirts by real style real people featuring Forever21



From Target:


Target skirts by real style real people featuring Converse shoes


From the QVC Motto line (with Old Navy flip flops):


qvc skirts by real style real people featuring Old Navy flip flops

Matte Lips: Love 'Em or Hate 'Em?

I used to wear matte lipstick all through the nineties.

My lips retained the color well for some reason.

BUT, my lips were always extremely dry. And they appeared to look cracked and discolored after a couple of hours.

So when I finally changed to semi-matte and then tinted lip gloss my lips were in heaven.

So I am not sure I can EVER go back.

I understand the look for effect, but not for everyday wear, and certainly not RED, at least not on me. A softer browny pink works well for my coloring.

What about you?

(photo credit: Heidi Klum- teamsugar.com; Kirsten Dunst Mui Mui ad from smarter.com)

Beauty Giveaway: Advanced Face Firming Activator

Have you heard of or seen Dr. Nicholas Perricone on Oprah?


If you have, then you know he's a dermatologist, who's written several books on weight loos and aging, and has become famous for his skin care products!


Have I've got a great giveaway for you!!!



One lucky reader will win one bottle of his Advanced Face Firming Activator, retail value $120!



According to their site: Advanced Face Firming Activator, transforms skin to appear firm, toned and absolutely glowing, while preventing further damage. Formulated with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE that work synergistically to visibly resurface skin's texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reveal a radiant and healthy complexion. Paraben-free.




If you'd like to be entered to win it, just email me at christinalee@ameritech.net with the word PERRICONE in the subject line!

Last day to enter the CONTEST: Friday May 29th! I will pick a winner Saturday!

All that I ask in return, is for you to tell me how you like it- I'm DYING to know!

Four Word Weekend: Star Wars Storm Trooper Shoes

FOR THE GEEKY FASHIONISTA?

(HEE-HEE)

(PHOTO CREDIT: INVENTORS SPOT)

COMMENT IN FOUR WORDS ONLY, PLEASE! ;)

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Natalie Portman

Natalie I am a huge fan of your acting (my four year old especially loves you in Star Wars).

Plus you're just cute as a button!

Your outfit represents summer to me!

I like how you added a punch of color with your shoes!

Here's my re-creation below from Zappos, Lulu's and Alisa Michelle:

*** To view items or stores in detail, jsut click on the image below***

Celebrity chic but cheap: Natalie Portman by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Beauty: Cosmetic Treatments or Procedures

I won't lie, I've thought about plastic surgery and whether, if I had the money, I would ever be able to go through with one kind or another- I think most women have.


The more you age the more the face you see in the in the mirror doesn't seem to be your own anymore. You begin noticing more fine lines, sun spots, maybe even little hairs that were never there before -and you wonder- should I change products, or try something new?


Would I ever try laser treatments, or facial re-surfacing, a chemical peel, botox, or (gasp)a mini facelift?- or some other such script that may go on in your head.


I haven't had success with any magic creams yet- except for ones that supply hydration and sun protection, which is very important.


And I don't know if I'd be brave enough to have any procedures done in the future. And parts of me feel angry for even considering the thought of it-what about loving your whole self and aging gracefully?


Well- a few months ago I bought Philosophy's Micro-Delivery Peel at Sephora and have been using it once a month. It cost $65, should last me most of the year and was cheaper than the dermatologist. Plus I had heard good things about it!

I have to tell you, I love it!

You begin with the grainy scrub which is really just very intense and coarse exfoliation. While that's on your face, you add the vitamin c infused serum on top of it. Your skin will suddenly feel warm and tingly all over-you keep it on for as long as you can stand it-and rinse it off with a warm wash cloth.

Every single time my skin feels brand new- like it's been re-surfaced!

Works for me! I highly recommend it!

What about you, readers? What would YOU try or not try?

Spring/Summer/Fall 2009:Statement Jewlery

Statement jewelry is the way to go if you want to "bling it on" with your accessories!

But I have to says the earrings at the Zac Posen and Lanvin shows are not my style. I like it a little more understated!

(Zac Posen and Lanvin runway shows on style.com)

Having said that, I have come to appreciate statement jewlery.

Here are some bolder pieces, below, all from Express (buy one get one 1/2 off)!

Statement Jewlery by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Or, how about these more colorful ones from Banana Republic?

Statement Jewlery II by real style real people featuring Banana Republic accessories

Spring/Summer 2009: Beige

How do you feel about beiges and tans seen in stores and on the Spring 2009 runways?

(photo credit- Stella McCartney runway show, style.com)

I personally love these colors and wear them alot-but they can look monotone and wash you out!

On its own, Beige is a calming, neutral color. You definitely see it alot in shoe colors alongside vibrant dresses on the red carpet.

But it can also be a chameleon, taking on some of the characteristics of warm or cool colors.

Use your beiges, tans and neutrals as a backdrop for color, or on its own as a cooler alternative for the heat of summer.

Spring 2009: Biege/Neutrals by real style real people featuring Forever21 Clothing

Real vs. Deal: Fringe Sandals

Call me crazy,but when I first saw Rihanna wearing these Balmain t-strap fringe sandals, there was something I liked about them. Kinda bohemian and edgy, but still flat and wearable. I didn't like the steep price tag though (nor could I ever dream to afford them).


Then I saw these Cynthia Vicent fringe sandals for a couple of hundred dollars and thought 'oh! I like those and the blue/green color.' But do I like fringe sandals that much, to spend a couple of hundred on them? Probably not!



And then (drumroll please): I spotted these for $25 at Payless and da da da da(horns playing in the background)........I loved the blue color(they also come in black), the fringe, and they can now be mine for a price a mere mortal can afford!

Four Word Weekend: Stylish Guys In My Town (Cleveland)

(LeBron James-GO CAVS!)

comments in four words only, please :)

Celebrity Chic But Cheap:Evangeline Lilly

Gotta go with my girl Evangeline Lilly, since the Lost finale was this week!

You are so gorgeous girl!

What were you thinking when you looked Jack in the eyes towards the end? HMMM? I NEED to know! ;)


Here is my re-creation below, from Zappos and Azaleas NYC:



***to view stores or items in detail, click on the picture below***



celebrity chic but cheap:evangeline lilly by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Three Looks in One: The Short Sleeve Fitted Blazer

I have a little collection of short sleeve fitted blazers. I love how they update your look and are so versatile. Wear them in the cooler month over a long sleeve top. In the spring and fall, they are most perfect. In the summer, you can choose them for cool nights.


I used two different short sleeve fitted jackets (a navy blazer and a denim blazer) and showed how each one could fit into these three looks.

Look #1 : worn with a skirt and a fresh spring ruched top and scarf, spectator heels and cream handbag (all from Ann Taylor Loft, Kohls and Payless).

Look One: Short Sleeve Fitted Jacket by real style real people on Polyvore.com



Look #2: Worn with white or indigo jeans, thong sandles, yellow feminine blouse and a burnt orange handbag (all from Ann Taylor Loft and Handbag Heaven).



Look #2: Short Sleeve Fitted Jacket by real style real people on Polyvore.com



Look #3: A printed dress with coral jewelry and sandals (all from Ann Taylor Loft).


Look #3: Short Sleeve Fitted Jacket by real style real people on Polyvore.com

What Beauty and Non-Beauty Essentials Do You Keep in Your Desk?

If you don't have a desk, per se, what do you keep very close by at all times, say, in the bag you carry?


Now, my wallet and keys are a given, that I need to keep close by-but I don't keep them in my desk-just in my bag ............



For me, number one would be some type of chapstick or tinted lip balm. If my lips feel dry, I CANNOT GO ON! ;)



Which leads me to some type of hand lotion. I wash my hands SO MUCH throughout the day that my hands get dry!

Then pressed powder to dab my nose and Touche Eclat for under my eyes.


Next, my cell phone has to always be in reach (which can be seen as good and bad).

Followed by notepad and paper to write down any myriad of things: jewelry orders from Paypal, post ideas, grocery list, etc.

My digital camera is next in line! In case I need to take pictures of jewlery or stories for the newspaper I write for!

And even though it's not in my desk, it certainly is on it- a steaming cup of coffee or water !



........which leads to having a bathroom nearby at all times ;)

What about you, readers?

Do you wash your hair daily?

I saw a recent survey in a magazine that said most people DO NOT wash their hair daily, for various reasons. The reasons included time constraints, hair texture, and laziness.


I probably don't wash everyday for all of the reasons mentioned.


I have very fine hair, but there's alot of it. Somehow my hair just looks better the second day. There's product in it, it's not too "soft" and flimsy, and in fact my colorist prefers I don't wash my hair before an appointment, because she says my scalp will retain the color better unwashed.


Plus, time constraints and laziness come into play. It's time consuming washing, blow drying and styling your hair everyday. So every other day I skip two steps and go right to styling.



Jonathan has a hair product called DIRT to mimic this effect for people who want that second day unwashed feel to their hair. So there's got to be some rhyme or reason to it, right?

As Imogen pointed out from Inside Out Style, there's also all different kinds of DRY SHAMPOO that absorbs oils on the hair and scalp and allows you to clean your hair without using water.

(photo credit: Sephora)

SO, let me hear from you, readers: do you wash your hair EVERY SINGLE DAY?

The Cleveland Fashion Show

Well Fashion Week Cleveland has come to an end, but not before the Grand Finale black tie gala event Saturday night!

It was a night of fun sophistication!

There was a mix of student designers and American designers.

As a whole I enjoyed the student designers immensely and I really applaud their efforts!

Here are some of my pictures below:

Nathanael Porembka (from the University of Cincinnati):

Megan Rowley (from Kent State University):

Andrew Spargo (from Kent State University):

The American Designer that I loved and felt was the most wearable, for me (if I could just afford her clothes on Etsy) was Valerie Mayen!

She is also a semi-finalist this season for Project Runway (go Valerie!)

Here are some of her ETSY shop designs for sale called Yellow Cake Shop:

Here were some of the guests at the snazzy Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland: