Feelin' sassy

Remember when I told you that I bought myself a bright red lipstick? (And I used Marilyn Monroe's birthday as an excuse?)

Well, late last night I was feeling a bit bored and decided to put on aforementioned lipstick, which I had received a week or so prior but had not yet tested.

I slicked that baby on my lips, added a little black eyeliner to really get into the Marilyn Monroe-mood and then this happened:

Yep. You can't leave a bored Carissa unattended with makeup and Photo Booth. Silliness will inevitably ensue. All while crooning to Natasha Bedingfield's latest CD, "Strip Me," and a little Adele thrown in for good measure.

Now, about the lipstick. It's Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in Underage, which as you can see is a bright crimson. It's a bit pricey at $18 (I usually satisfy my urge for new lips products at the drugstore, though I did fall prey once to a gorgeous gold tube of YSL lipstick that put me back 35 bucks) but it had such glowing reviews on Sephora that I couldn't resist. And while I have plenty of pink lipsticks and glosses, I didn't have any true reds in my collection. Plus, who can say no to that awesome tattoo-inspired packaging?

Thankfully, the lipstick is worth every penny. The color is a bit shocking in the tube but I think it looks very flattering on and could easily be dialed down with some balm or gloss. But what I love most is that it delivers rich, saturated color that didn't dry out my lips and didn't budge during my singing-modeling sesh :) I'd say I had it on for at least two hours and it looked like I had just applied it when I finally went to wash my face and hit the sheets.

And perhaps most importantly, putting on that spicy red lipstick made me feel sassy! I'm planning on going out dancing with the girls tonight to celebrate a friend's birthday and you can count on my new, red, look-at-me lips making an appearance. I'm really going to paint the town red!

What's made you feel sassy (and perhaps a bit silly) lately?



Lipstick photo via Amazon

Happy Birthday, Marilyn!

I know the day is almost over but I couldn't let it slip away without wishing a happy birthday to one of the original glamour pusses, Ms. Marilyn Monroe. Can you believe she would have been 85 years old today? I stumbled upon these images earlier, which showcase a star in the making, and my breath was taken away. How stunningly gorgeous is she? I mean, she always looks good in any of the many photos that have been released, but she just looks so young and fresh and full of life here-- ready to tackle the world!

These photos, taken by LIFE photographer J. R. Eyerman, show the 22-year-old starlet in her early-career days, when she was still a newbie in Hollywood and her locks weren't yet that platinum blonde she later would become known for. Eyerman captured these photos in the fall of 1948, following Marilyn through the showbiz training-- acting, singing, dancing-- that would one day make her an icon.

Below are a few of my favorite photos (don't mind the arrows), but you can see the entire 18-image collection (and get the story behind the photos) in the LIFE.com gallery.

I love the mix of grace, attitude and casual realness in these photos. I've always loved Marilyn just for the fact that she was such an incredible sex symbol and yet she wasn't a toothpick-- she had curves and she knew how to work them! She oozed confidence and I could definitely learn a trick or two. I really want to watch some classic Marilyn films now... "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" or "How to Marry a Millionaire" or maybe "Some Like It Hot" ... Do you have a favorite?

And while we're playing favorites, which other silver screen sirens are you a fan of? Old school or new school, I'd love to hear!



P.S. In honor of Marilyn's birthday, I purchased a bright red lipstick for myself that I plan on wearing fiercely, most likely with a smoky eye but perhaps with some heavy, black liquid liner too, a la the timeless beauty herself. Don't you love how I can find any excuse to purchase makeup? :)

P.P.S. This is my 300th post! Woo hoo! I'm sure it would be a lot higher if I posted every day, but hey, you gotta pick your battles.

Recent splurges

I don't know what's with me this week, especially given that we just went through Christmas and I got plenty of gifts, but I keep buying stuff! This is a problem, I know, and I feel a little guilty about it. So, in a feeble attempt to wipe my conscience clean, I thought I'd confess to you my shopping sins.

First purchase this week:

Shop- Elephantine

Item- the chic and simple, but so beautiful, fay necklace.

I had my eye on this dainty piece since the moment Rachel added it to her shop. But I always talked myself out of buying it, convincing myself that I had enough necklaces. (But honestly, in my world there's no such thing as too many necklaces!) But when Rachel's newsletter showed up in my inbox Sunday announcing a 20 percent off sale (sorry, it ended yesterday) to ring in the New Year, I simply couldn't stop myself any longer! Isn't it pretty? There are so many others that I'd like to add to my collection, like this pendant necklace, a light and airy bracelet, and these rings.

Second purchase this week:

Shop- Sephora

Items- Urban Decay Naked Palette and Sephora's Glass Nail File

My justification for these purchases is this: I have heard rave reviews about the Urban Decay Naked Palette. (One of you first told me about it when I posted about this gorgeous Tarte palette, which I got for Christmas by the way.) One look at the UD palette and you know why people are gushing. Look at all those wearable shades! Plus, it comes with mini version of UD's cult-favorite Primer Potion. So why didn't I snatch it up in November? It was out of stock! That's how popular it is.

Well, as I told you before, I'm what they call a Beauty Insider with Sephora, which basically means they tempt me and test my willpower via email every week. They're always sending me new offers and codes! This week's deal: Enter 2011 at checkout and get two free mini products to celebrate the New Year. That's what got me browsing Sephora in the first place. When I saw the Naked Palette was finally back in stock I, again, couldn't resist! So there you have it. And why a nail file? To get free shipping, of course (I had to add a couple bucks to my order to reach the threshold). But it is a useful purchase. This will explain why...

Third purchase of the week:

Shop- Zoya

Items- Nail polish

Zoya polish in Isla (a rich, blackened red shimmer), Kelly (a neutral gray with soft blue and purple undertones), and Edyta (a dark metallic with hints of gold and olive)

I was watching new YouTube beauty guru Nancy and she mentioned that Zoya, to celebrate reaching 20,000 "likes" on its Facebook page, was giving away three free nail polishes; just enter FB2011 at checkout and pay shipping. Well, I am still doing pretty good on my whole not-biting-my-nails-even-when-I'm-super-stressed-out thing and I figured what better way to motivate myself and keep my tips looking nice than spoil myself with some new nail polish (and the aforementioned nail file)? Especially free polish! Each bottle is usually $7 and I paid just $6.95 for shipping. If you want to get in on this act fast-- the offer ends tomorrow! What do you think of the colors I chose?

Ah, I feel better now that I have gotten that off my chest :) Do you think I'll be forgiven for my shopping sins? Are they good enough to get me a free pass to retail heaven?

Please do share your recent splurges, too! Shopaholics unite.




Ok, full disclosure. I just realized this post doesn't even take into account my run to Kohl's late Monday night. I had $40 in Kohl's cash from my Christmas shopping that was about to expire and I wasn't going to let it go to waste! Someone needs to save me from myself. Or confiscate my wallet.

Wish list

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa is almost here! Have you been naughty or nice? (Maybe a bit of both?)

Well, hopefully none of us will find coal in our stockings this Christmas. Here's a few items from my wish list that I'd be happy to find under the tree:

Some new makeup brushes would be much appreciated. Mine have seen better days. And these ones not only sparkle, they are antibacterial to boot. (This makeup lover wouldn't say no to a beauty box made just for junkies, either.)

Fragrance that smells as good as it looks. (Marc Jacobs Daisy may be my perennial favorite, but I'm willing to give Kate Spade's Twirl a whirl. Both are fruity and floral.)

 A hair treatment that would restore and replenish my dry locks, which are even more ravaged by the winter wind, would be quite useful. I've heard bloggers rave about Moroccanoil.

I'd love to light a candle on dark winter nights. This magnolia one would make my room smell like my grandma-- and I mean that in the best way possible. 

Since the kind of digital camera I want is a bit out of my price range (and probably Santa's), this adorable Diana would be a fun new way to capture memories and give them a dreamy perspective.

I would love to add a few more easy-breezy tops that look effortlessly chic to my wardrobe. This sheer midnight blue one and that olive green camp-style one would look good in my closet.

Add to that a flowy floral lace number you can dress up or down.

New clothes need new kicks. I've had my eye on a pair of new boots with buckle details for awhile (like these) and a girl always needs more cute flats (like these).

My jewelry box is overflowing but I'm always adding more jewels and baubles to my collection. I heart these nature-inspired, hippie chic pieces: a double leaf ring, a sparkling feather necklace, and safari-themed bangles.

 I've been using the same metallic, studded bag all year; it's time for a new model. This caramel-colored faux leather satchel would be perfect for every day.

And finally, because the New Year is almost here and I can't survive without a schedule, a 2011 agenda that is both cheery and functional is definitely in order.

There you have it. My wish list for Christmas. What I find under the tree Dec. 25 no one knows (except the jolly bearded man himself) but whatever it is, I know I will love it.

Your turn! What made your wish list this year? 



P.S. If you'd like to receive a Christmas card from yours truly, drop me a line with your address at carissanicole {at} gmail {dot} com by Thursday, Dec. 16. I'd love to add you to my list!

Tarte

Yes, I am breaking my silence to post about makeup. I can't help it. As a Sephora "beauty insider," I occasionally get emails that tempt me to whip out my wallet and then practice great restraint when I put it back in my purse, and today's email touting "6 spectacular palettes" was no exception.

I saw this Tarte palette at the top of the lineup and the makeup obsessed girly-girl in me just about died. Just see for yourself.

Called "The Jewelry Box," this limited-edition Tarte palette is packed with 32 new eyeshadows, eight lip glosses, a mineral bronzer, a new shimmering powder, five deluxe long-wearing eyeliners and-- get this-- a detachable necklace.

An impressive beauty stash AND a layered, golden necklace perfect for holiday parties?! Be still my heart.

I want. I need. Ok, I don't need, but I want. 'Nuff said.

This is instantly going on my Christmas list.

Anyone else spied some seriously fantastic beauty finds lately? I'd love to hear. And please tell me someone else's heart flutters at the sight of this palette.

Oh, and happy Friday! :)

A new hue

Lately, I've been feeling like I'm in a rut. Personally, professionally, health-wise, you name it. I know this happens to all of us. And I know everyone has their own way of trying to get out of said rut. For me, I usually get the urge to change my hair (I wish I got the urge to exercise but unfortunately, no). This explains why the other day I had the crazy thought that maybe-- just maybe-- I should run to the drug store and pick up a box of hair dye. Luckily, my common sense prevailed. Please, if you ever see me with a box of store-bought hair color, you have my full permission to tackle me to the ground. I don't trust myself to not turn my hair some frightening shade of orange (think clown).

Anyway, whenever I am in a rut, I also get the urge to . . . buy a new lipstick! Isn't that so 50s housewife of me? And it is much easier and cheaper than going to the salon. So, the other night, after doing an interview, I popped over to my local CVS. I strolled the makeup aisle for a good 15 minutes, looking for the perfect pick-me-up shade. It was impossible to see what some of the colors looked like through the packaging, but luckily I came away with a winner: Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipcolor in Pink Peony. The name is what got me. The new tube has already found a home amongst my overwhelming stockpile of beauty products. And I took the color for a test drive yesterday. I think it's very spring. But tell me what you think! (Excuse the poor bathroom lighting.)

And tell me too, what do you do to bust out of a rut?



top image via we heart it

Santa's on his way!

Hello there! I'm back! I can't believe it has been so long since I posted last. Sorry to have been so out of touch! It seems I've had a million things going on between shopping for gifts and meeting (early) deadlines. And I've had a million things swirling around in my head, some that I wanted to post and some I didn't. Ha! But here we are and its already Christmas Eve! I can't believe it.

Except I can because last night my dad and I did our annual "tradition" of last-minute shopping. He always waits until the very last minute to go out and pick up some gifts for my mom. He is not the best when it comes to picking presents, especially clothes, and he hates battling crowds so he puts it off-- but there were still plenty of people out and about yesterday.

We started our evening excursion with dinner at a local Mexican restaurant we love, because you can't shop effectively on an empty stomach, right? Then we headed over to a place I can't disclose since my mother reads this blog. (Hi, mom!) After about an hour or so we had our hands full and I think we got some really nice stuff. Guess we'll see how she likes it tomorrow!

In my second to last post, I mentioned that I was finishing up my Christmas wish list for my mom and that I'd post a snippet here... is it still too late to share? Nah. My list was primarily made up of clothes, even more so than in past years. But there's some beauty products and a bag thrown in for good measure. Take a look: (as usual, click image to see it larger!)

Anthropologie

Diaphanous Tunic (can't find the link!), Manisa Dress, Cabin Fever Tunic and Grecian Top

Urban Outfitters

Kimchi Blue Ruffle Tiered Skirt and Sheer Hearts Tights

Victoria's Secret

Button-up wool trenchcoat and Pleated tunic in plaid voile 

Beauty

Daisy by Marc Jacobs (my absolute fave scent!), VS Makeup Heidi Klum Eyeshadow Palette in Exotic Jewels and Parisienne by YSL.

and the Bag (a girl can dream, right?)

Coach op art chainlink Audrey (part of the Madison collection)

And, of course, I included several items from my Ruche wish list as well.

As for what I am giving others, I went the handmade route this year. Well, the buying handmade route, not the making handmade route. Since I have developed a love affair with Etsy over the past year, I made a little pledge to myself to try to buy as much handmade as possible this Christmas. And I have to say I was pretty successful! I'd say more than half of the gifts I bought were handmade.

I can't give too many details, but I can say that I bought some necklaces from Elephantine, sachets from Jewelweeds and  Cicada Studio, scarves and a desktop calendar from Michelle Brusegaard, a polaroid calendar from lifelovepaper, a hand-stamped silver and copper name necklace (for the boy's 7-year-old niece!) from The Two Beans, and beautiful pottery items from Miss Pottery, Mud Hutt and Utile Mud.

Now, finding something for the men in my life, that was the hard part. Etsy does have some great options but it still proved difficult. But I did pick up some lovely smelling beer soap from The Beer Soap Co. and personalized iPhone/iPod sleeves from in blue that I think the recipients will really enjoy.

And talk about last minute shopping, I still have to get something for my ever-so-hard to shop for brother! He just might get another video game.

So now I must run. To finish shopping, do TONS of wrapping, pick up my paycheck (yay!), go out to the cemetery to lay flowers and then get ready to spend Christmas Eve at the boy's sister's house. Tomorrow we will be spending time with my family, enjoying a prime rib dinner (which is a change of pace from the usual Thanksgiving repeat!).

I'd love to hear how you are spending Christmas, but wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope you are feeling the joy of the holiday... and that you are well fed!

Cheers!

xo,

Playing dress up

Halloween is here. That was made official Saturday night.

The party itself was okay, minus the fact that I didn't know most of the people there and all there was to drink was beer. (I'm not a big beer fan. I nursed two Coronas all night.)

Oh, and I can't forget to mention, my ex and his girlfriend were there. Not that big of a deal, really, but a little awkward to say the least since they kind of avoid me. Funny thing is, I didn't even realize it was my ex at first because he was wearing this ridiculous South Park character costume that pretty much covered his whole body and face.

Anyway, moving on. I did have a good time getting dressed up, of course. And making over Matt into Tinkerbell. I covered his lids in shimmery, bright green eyeshadow and lined his lids with navy liner on top and a shiny white on the bottom. There was mascara, blush and lipgloss, too! He totally rocked it out. The unfortunate part is we showed up right after they finished a costume contest! Everyone told him he would have won though, hands down.

For my makeup, I went all out, too. Bright blue eyeshadow, thick black eyeliner and fire engine red lips. If I can't wear it on Halloween, when can I? Actually, I kind of liked the red lips. I'm thinking that I should work those into my routine a little more often. Except, I need to get some lip liner to help it stay a little better-- you can tell in the photos below how late it is in the night by how much lipstick is left on my lips!

Speaking of photos, without further ado, here's a glimpse of my night.

Do you think I make a good Alice?

And does Matt make a good Tink? I think so! I mean, look at that pose!

Me and my bestie, Marielle, who went as Tinkerbell's counterpart, Peter Pan. Fun fact: Marielle's mom made both her and Matt's costumes! Pretty crafty.

Me and cowgirl Kristine.

The boys. Matt, my boy, and Jasin (that's Matt's boy).

Me and the boy. He wanted to go as Ted from There's Something About Mary, but he couldn't find all the requisite parts. Let's just say he wanted to be teenage Ted before the prom-- you know, when he zips his manhood into his jeans? Yeah, that's my boyfriend for you. And he wanted me to be Mary (with my hair sticking up). That was definitely a no-go. He ended up just wearing a wig and I told him he was a "bad hair day." Haha.

I don't even know who this guy is, but he was hilarious. He dressed up--perfectly, I might add--as Marty McFly from Back to the Future. But he also did a mean Michael Jackson impression.

Kissy face at the end of the night with the boy.

Luckily, my costume is going to get more mileage than usual this year as I get to play dress up all over again next week. On real Halloween.

Hope you all had a good weekend! And thanks again Andhari for the great costume suggestion!