Lemming Lemon

Needing to inject color into my wardrobe of basic blacks and neutrals, I've been lemming something yellow. A punch of yellow is bold and can be that needed shot of color to any ensemble. I have been purchasing lots of navy lately (hey, at least it is not black) and yellow is a nice complementary color to navy. Yellow is such a statement color, I may try something smaller, like a clutch to for that pop of color. Too bad my favorite of the bunch is the Proenza Schouler clutch at a hefty $895. Not touching that with a ten foot pole.

1. The SAK Siliverlake $150
2. Big Buddha Rosette Croco Satchel $98
3. High Fashion Perforated Tote $46
4. Tory Burch Sawla Clutch $350
5. Angie & Lola Perforated Tote (Target) $20
6. Proenza Schouler PS1 Clutch $895

April's MAC Giveaway Winner

April's Mac Giveaway Winner is Deconstruction of deconstructed-life! Please email me your shadow choice, pot or pan. The start of a new month means a new giveaway. Stay tuned for the announcement of the next giveaway.

Proud Receipeint of an iParenting Media Award!

www.SmartiePantsShop.com

I am so excited to announce that my product line, Smartie Pants, received Disney's iParenting Media Award for Excellent Product! Launching this line has been a great challenge and at times a daunting journey. I still have a long and exciting road ahead, but this distinguished award provides me with additional confidence to move forward with new marketing campaigns and future collections. Thank you all for your support!

Become A Fan!

REMINDER:

Today is the last to enter the MAC Giveaway! Ends tonight at midnight MST.

DIY: Boot Shaper

Tired of looking a limp boots? Hate the sight of fallen, slumped over boots? Sounds like you may have limp boot syndrome. Good news! I have the answer for you! For just $3, I can show you how to avoid limp boot syndrome. Read on.

My closet is organized so that I can see my selection of shoes. Originally, I kept them in clear boxes, but I forget what is in my inventory if it is not in front of me. Like many of you, I like to try on multiple pairs to see which shoe goes better with the outfit. What happens is that I end up with a pile of shoes and clear shoe boxes strewn about like a cyclone had hit my closet. When I decided to switch over from clear shoe boxes to a nice shoe display, my boots would slump and fall over. I went to the Container Store looking for boot inserts only to find that they cost $20 for a pair. Um....no thanks. So I came up with my own solution. This DIY is so easy, it is laughable.


Buy a pack of flexible cutting mats, available at Target, Walmart, or even the grocery store. The 3 pack I bought cost $4.


Take one of the mats and roll it up.


Insert into boot. Repeat for other boot. Done and done.


Now my boots are tall and upright. No more nasty limp boot equals a happy me. So I figure it cost under $3 for a pair for my very own boot inserts instead of $20. This equals an ecstatic me! If you keep your boots in a box, you can still do this to help boots keep their shape.

REMINDER FOR THE MAC MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!
Tomorrow is the last day to enter the MAC Eyeshadow Giveaway. Here are the details. You can't win if you don't play.

Look Book (Spring Is In The Air)

{Cardigan: Jcrew, Top: Diane von Furstenberg Posey Camisol, Shorts: H&M,
Necklace: J Crew, Ring: Forever 21}

{Shoes: Prada}

Spring is in the air, I can smell the flowers blooming, but still the threat of April showers still loom. Yesterday was one of those perfect days where the sky was clear and blue, and the sun's rays warmed on your skin. I took the opportunity to put on a pair of shorts knowing that by the end of the week we would be back to gray skies and rain. You might recognize the top half of this look from yesterday's post. I'd thought I would share a quick peek at the complete look.

This was one of those outfits that I had the perfect pair of slingbacks for, but had to do the mommy compromise and go with the practical flat. At least the practical flats were Prada, not too bad of a compromise! The JCrew cardigan is probably one of my favorite cardis. It is so simple but the raw edge silk and exposed stitch gives it interest. The Diane von Furstenberg abstract floral camisole was an atypical purchase, me stepping of the box if you will. I am trying to inject more color into my wardrobe, I tend to lean towards, neutrals and blacks. So what do I do with the colorful DVF top? Pair it with all black of course. Slowly but surely stepping out of the box. The trouser shorts are from H&M and they go with everything. Loving the tassel necklace right now, this one (yet again) is from the Banana Republic sale bin. The lovely statement ring is Forever 21 for $5-ish. I think I spied a cream one the other week. I'm sure they are still in stores if you look hard enough.

P.S. I am wearing the new NARS Orgasm Illuminator on my cheeks. I put on NARS Orgasm blush, then a little dusting of NARS Laguna bronzer and topped off with the Illuminator. Finally that dewy goodness I have been looking for.

Target Tuesday (Goody Spin Pin + Hair Tutorial)

I love the look of a messy, no fuss bun. But guess what? To get that look takes a lot of fuss. Goody, goody I found my no fuss solution in the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin! I picked these up at Target awhile back and have been holding on to the box and receipt just in case it was too good to be true. Many a dollar has been wasted on miscellaneous hair goods that claim to do this or that. I was even sucked into the Bump It craze. Save your money, that is a waste of good plastic (maybe not for Snooki though.)

The box said that the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin "does the work of 20 bobby pins for the perfect 'undone bun'." I was skeptical, but definitely wanted to give it a try. The first go at it I was still skeptical, but a believer and willing to work at it. After a few runs and fine tuning, by golly I got it!

Here it goes, my first hair tutorial!

Your hair has to be past shoulder length to do a lower bun like I did. If you have slightly shorter hair, you will have to do a bun closer to the crown of your head. I found that if you curl your hair, the "undone" look will look better with loose falling tendrils. The curls help hold the bun in place better too. I used Conair Hot Rollers, featured here, to set my hair. Give your hair a few spritzes of hair spray, maybe a little tease here and there.

Gather your hair in a low ponytail. Don't use a rubber band, just start twisting your hair into a bun. If you use a rubber band to hold the ponytail in place it will take away from the undone look.



Once you have twisted your hair into a bun. Take one spin pin and "spin" into place at the top of the bun. Do the same with the second pin at the bottom of the bun.


That's it. I finish off with some hair spray. I did use one bobby pin to hold some short layers in place, but other than that it pretty much holds for most of the day. You can barely see the pins in there. Since there is not much involved I can even re-do it if it really started falling out.

{Thumbs up for the Goody Spin Pin! At Target for $6.}

World Market How I Love Thee

It has been a while since I've been to Cost Plus World Market. I love looking at all the imported foods and snacks. I was tempted to buy the canned Heinz Spotted Dick. No joke. I guess spotted dick is an English dessert made of moist cake and currants. Maybe next time.

Here is my World Market haul:

Cooks Tourch ($19) -I needed this a few weeks ago to finish off a Miso Glazed Cod. It would have been a nice touch, but it tasted fine without the golden crust. Now that I have this I can try my hand at Creme Brulee.

Corn Holders ($2) - I've been needing these forever, now I am ready for roasted summer corn.

Metal Collander ($2) - This is the perfect size for the little princess. Don't you just love the color?

Metal Shaker ($2) - I wanted to get this specifically for powdered sugar. I always like to finish baked goods off with a little powdered sugar and this makes my life just a little easier. I might get and second one for cocoa powder too.

Bellini Mix ($8) - I couldn't pass this one up. It sounded so refreshing. I'll bring bellinis to the next Happy Hour at the Park. ;)

Tee Pee Tent ($20) - I couldn't pass this up either. What can I say I am a kid a heart. I'll have to post set up pics!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a MAC Eyeshadow. Last day to enter is this Friday, April 30th.

Run Don't Walk (Zac Posen for Target)

{Zac Posen for Target, Tuxedo Jacket}

Hurry! Run don't walk. The collection is up online and not all stores are carrying this line so inventory will surely sell out. Here is the quick link to the entire line. Free shipping with $50+ purchase, you will see deduction at checkout. With the free shipping you can return to the store without losing out on shipping costs.

My Review: The price points are on the higher end for Target, but the quality and construction is reflection of the price. Detailing and fabric quality are impressive for Mr. Posen's line for Target. My personal picks are the black tuxedo jacket and black pleated skirt. Loving the tailored fit of the tuxedo jacket, the slimming pleated detail at the waist and contrasting navy ruffle at the cuffs. The pleated skirt is sophisticated yet fun. Originally not on my list for must have, this is a dark horse of the collection. The photos online do not do the skirt any justice. Pleating detail slims the waist and the exposed zipper at the back gives the skirt a little edge. The only gripe I have is that the fabric is on both the jacket and skirt is a little heavy for Spring. Overall, I am impressed with the quality of the entire collection.

Zac Posen for Target Collection