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Fabulous Feet (all under $30!)

It’s been awhile since I posted a collage, but this one seemed necessary! Spring is finally here and the weather is getting nice enough to get a pedi and break out those sandals. In need of some new styles? No problem. Every pair on this page is under $30!

1. Women’s Studded Bead Gladiator Thong Sandals $15 at Walmart

2. Women’s Dolce Vita for Target® Rope Wedge Sandals – Cognac $29.99

3. Ditsy Floral Wedges at Forever 21 $22.80

4. Covington Women’s “Millie” – Black at Sears $19.99

5. Gem Shovel Sandals at Pink Ice $24.99

6. Buckled Leatherette Wedges at Forever 21 $26.80

7. Weave Strap Heels in Light Grey at Pink Ice $24.99

8. Women’s Merona® Makana Cutout Sliver Wedges – Yellow (available in 5 more colors) $16.99

A Few of My Favorite Things

This past week felt like it took forever to go by because I had so much planned. South Pacific auditions, work, school, a Neutrogena breakfast for The Makeup Girl, a breakfast with Jeannie Mai from the Style Network’s, How Do I Look? A second day of auditions for South Pacific, a major apartment-hunting session with my mom & aunt,  and a birthday party for my friend Andrew! Phew….I’m exhausted just thinking back on it. Plus, how could I forget…I took up the first five minutes or so, of this week’s episode of The Look on The Pulse Network, without saying a word! A show I’m looking forward to filming an episode with next week, The Look is an excellent resource for helping women everywhere get “the look” we’re all trying to achieve–our best selves! They also have a great Facebook page that you can ask questions for the host of the show, Maggie ,on and I’m helping to answer! Head over there to ask all of your fabulous fashion and beauty questions.

Believe it or not, I have even more planned for this week…but we’ll save that for next weekend’s post. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite things this week…

 

My ballroom/character shoes that I hung on the back of my door to remind myself I need to register for dance classes again soon!

I had the opportunity to read from "Next To Normal" for an audition for a company, and it happened to be a perfect scene to show off some attitude!

The flowers at the Neutrogena event were a mix of orchids, calilies and white roses...perfect for spring!

 

Drugstore Deals: Zotos Diamond Shine Products

As you may or may not know, I’ve had quite the trials and tribulations with my hair the past few months after using a very nasty product you should not ever use. I found a miracle product in this a few weeks after I killed my hair, but almost 3 months later, my hair was just not the same until the last couple weeks…

When I was in Massachusetts visiting my parents a few weekends ago, I wandered into my local Sally Beauty Supply store to get my usual tub of L’oreal Professional deep conditioner. As I grabbed the conditioner off the shelf, some bright blue bottles called “Diamond Shine” caught my eye. Even though my hair was in much better shape, it was still lacking its old luster and shine. I first read the Diamond Shine Rinse-Out Glaze bottle, while promised my lackluster locks 2x the shine they deserved. I was so convinced by the glaze that I grabbed the gigantic bottles of moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that went along with it. (I do firmly believe that using an entire product line together works better than when you separate them).

The products were everything I needed: They promised shine, moisture, strength, they were formulated with UV protectants, and they were color-safe, so they’re weren’t going to wreck my recent dye-job. Plus, the bottles are practically Tiffany blue and they have diamonds all over them (not real ones obviously)…but I was hooked into buying them.

So far, the glaze is definitely my favorite product and I use it every day, following the conditioner. The one day I didn’t use it, my hair was still shiny, but as much as when I use the glaze. It’s also worth noting (and I just found out when I visited Zotos’s website) that the glaze was a 2010 CEW Award Insider’s Choice Beauty Finalist. The product contains actual diamond micro-particles plus keratin and panthenol. These highly reflective ingredients help create a mirror-like surface on the hair, providing substantial and long-lasting super high gloss shine.

Clearly my purchase was the best $25 I ever spent (I bought salon-sized bottles) because I’m now addicted to this line and it’s super affordable! My hair isn’t dry anymore and looks just as shiny and smooth as it did before I damaged it.

I’m so obsessed, that I want to get the hairspray, gloss drops, and the mousse from the line…but since we don’t have Sally Beauty in NYC (what’s up with that, by the way?), I’m going to have to either order it online or wait until the next time I head to MA to buy it.

The full line, which also includes volumizing shampoo and conditioner (which since the moisturizing worked so well, I’m willing to bet also works, but my hair is very voluminous allllllll on its own, so I have tried) as well as color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, the mousse, gloss drops, and hairspray, is available here. The glaze is a mere $7.29, which happens to only cost slightly more than my morning latte here in NYC (and is even less expensive if you have a Sally card) and the regular-sized bottles all cost under $10.

The products are also available on many other salon-supply websites, as well as one in the UK for my international readers looking to get their hands on these products!

A Few of My Favorite Things

…I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad

It’s true. Starting this column a few weeks ago has helped my focus on the things that are making me happy even when negative things are happening around me. This week was interesting…it snowed, sleeted, rained, and now it’s 60 and sunny outside, and I’m hoping it stays spring-like for the long haul.

Today I decided to give up pursuing my dream apartment because all the things the landlord wanted before even telling me if I was eligible for the apartment was like giving up my first-born child. It was insane…last year’s tax return, a letter from my boss saying that I have a job, my bank account #s and credit cards, $90 for a credit check…I could get my yearly credit check for free and give it to them; and isn’t the fact that a check gets deposited into my bank account every week enough proof I have a job? What a pain. Hopefully I’ll find another beautiful, sunny, spacious apartment with an eat-in kitchen in a convenient location with less crazy requirements soon.

I was almost on the verge of tears when I decided not to go any further, but I took a walk, got a bagel from my favorite bagel shop and hit the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market for the first time since Fashion Week back in September. All of this weekend’s favorite things come in the form of sparkles and shine, except for one!

 

It's rare to find vintage earrings in this good condition that aren't clip ons. I got these and...

And these for just $25 altogether. Another fab vintage find from the same vendor..a steal!

And if we're talking bargains...a separate vendor had this in her sale bin for $2. Yep two bucks! Tags and everything still attached!

I'm kicking myself for not buying this late 60's era mini-dress. (P.S. it wasn't on sale, that's the dress behind it.)

 

A Few of My Favorite Things

This weekend has been a tough one, and based on the events of last week, I should’ve seen it coming, but I chose to deny it instead. My great-aunt, who I was very close to, finally passed away after a long battle with pneumonia. Even though she was 86 and had a great life, it never gets any easier to lose someone you love. She was truly a very special person, with a wonderful, wonderful heart, and she cared about everyone who crossed her path. The only thing that worked out well about this unfortunate situation, is that I happened to be in town this weekend and am able to spend time with my family.

Knowing that she’s no longer suffering, along with a few other things, is making me as happy as possible, considering the circumstances.

 

This photo of my Great-Aunt Nina and I at my cousin Corey's graduation party will live on forever. I'll always remember how much fun we had that day.

I spotted these "LOVE" bookends while out shopping yesterday. Sometimes all we need is a little nudge to remember that love is everywhere.

My cousin picked up this grey nail polish from GAP, which happens to be made by Chanel (because it doesn't say so anywhere on the bottle, they're selling for just $6!!! Scoop them up while you can!). The color is perfectly appropriate for spring, and is conservative enough for the wake and funeral I'll be attending today and tomorrow.

 

Emmy Rossum wants to know, “Can You Tell?”

Tomorrow, actress Emmy Rossum of “Shameless” will ask New Yorkers to take the Suave Challenge and guess the difference between hair styled with new Suave Professionals and salon hair care products. The challenge spotlights the re-invented and re-formulated line of Suave Professionals products that are proven to work as well as top salon brands.

In addition to taking the Suave Challenge, attendees will receive one-on-one hair consultations and stylings, as well as free Suave Professionals styling products.

The Suave Challenge will also be available online at CanYouTell.com, where consumers can evaluate Suave Professionals for chances to win prizes. The website will compare Suave Professionals products with top salon brands through virtual hair tests, from hurricane wind fans and cyclone water showers to dancing and other daily wear.

Additionally, the first 200,000 people to visit Suave Beauty’s Facebook (Suave Beauty) page will receive a FREE full-size bottle of a new Suave Professionals styling product to try for themselves.

New Yorkers—you’re invited!

Who: Emmy Rossum & Suave

What: Take the Suave Challenge and get your hair styled with the all-new Suave products by celeb hairstylist Theodore Leaf and his team!

Where: Suave Professionals Lounge, 866 Broadway (between 17th and 18th), New York, NY 10003

When: Thursday, March 24th, 2011 1-4pm

Cost: FREE!

Not in New York? Visit Suave.com/CanYouTell to take the challenge today for your chance to win prizes, product and more!

A Hollywood Icon: Elizabeth Taylor

“It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting.” -Elizabeth Taylor

A great beauty who possessed all the glamour that Old Hollywood was, Elizabeth Taylor passed away at the age of 79 last night from congestive heart failure. One of the greatest actresses of her time, Elizabeth Taylor was named seventh on its Female Legends list by the American Film Institute.

In a society where not many mutations are glamorized, Taylor was born with a mutation that caused double rows of eyelashes, which enhanced her appearance on camera. She was encouraged to act because of this mutation.

Perhaps known to later generations as one of the first celebrities to endorse a fragrance, Taylor was the face and voice of White Diamonds perfume. Taylor will be forever known for her obsession with diamonds and other jewelry saying, as well as her multiple marriages (eight of them!), “My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked.”

“In November 2004, Taylor announced that she had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a progressive condition in which the heart is too weak to pump sufficient blood throughout the body, particularly to the lower extremities: the ankles and feet. She broke her back five times, had both her hips replaced, survived a benign brain tumor operation and skin cancer, and faced life-threatening bouts with pneumonia twice. Towards the end of her life she was reclusive and sometimes failed to make scheduled appearances due to illness or other personal reasons. She used a wheelchair and when asked about it stated that she had osteoporosis and was born with scoliosis.” (Source: Wikipedia)

Of all the the greatness that she was, Taylor still had a bit of excitement for other celebrities. Her last tweet from her verified Twitter account on February 9th (@DameElizabeth) read, “My interview in Bazaar with Kim Kardashian came out!!! http://j.mp/eqQsGa“. And if you’re looking for any unaccounted Taylor quotes, her Twitter account is definitely the place to find them in her last months alive, “Every breath you take today should be with someone else in mind. I love you.” and “You are who you are. All you can do in this world is help others to be who they are and better themselves and those around them.”

And on July 22, 2010 she wrote in 2 tweets, “No one is going to play Elizabeth Taylor, but Elizabeth Taylor herself. Not at least until I’m dead, and at the moment I’m having too much fun being alive…and I plan on staying that way. Happiness to all.”

Spring Tie-Dyed Cupcakes

I’m not going to lie to you: on the outside, these are undoubtedly the ugliest cupcakes I’ve ever made…but on the inside, they’re really pretty…and most importantly: they’re delicious!

Inspired by BLDG 25, Free People’s blog, I created these superfab tie-dyed cupcakes, just in time for spring today (and we’ll try to pretend there isn’t snow in the forecast for NYC).

Tie-Dyed Treats

Except, that I was a little overzealous. Their recipe says to use a yellow cake mix from a box and of course, I am an expert cupcake baker, why would I ever use a box?! Instead I used this recipe and I tried to halve it, because I’m going to visit my parents in a few days, and I have no use for 24 cupcakes.

I created the recipe to a “T” and then divided the batter up to color it. I filled each color on top of an another until the cupcake tins were about 3/4 full.

Here’s the hitch: I only had the tin cupcake cups to bake in, and no actually muffin tin, because apparently it’s at my roommate’s boyfriend’s apartment.

So this new recipe, spread width-wise in the oven as much as it could, and then upwards…rising much higher than expected and overflowing the edges of the cups, therefore, making these the ugliest-on-the-outside cupcakes!

I used a homemade tie-dyed buttercream to match…which also ugly-ifed as I frosted. I just used one stick of butter to 16 ounces of confectioner’s sugar and blended them with an electric mixer. I added a few drops of each color of food dye and only mixed them in a little, since I didn’t want the frosting to turn brown…but once I put it in a bag to pipe it on, it all mixed together.

But the insides of the cupcakes are BEAUTIFUL! And perfect for spring…

Happy Spring!

xox,

E

A Few of My Favorite Things

What a weekend it’s been! From standing in line with over a thousand people to audition for Rent off-Broadway on Friday (and it was 70 degrees!), to my trip to the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey being foiled by some power outages on the NJ transit trains yesterday, to not leaving my apartment today until 4pm. When I finally did leave my apartment, I needed a coffee and some groceries. I never anticipated how difficult it would be to find baking liners (you know, for cupcakes?) in New York City. They’ve always been something I’ve just kept on hand when I lived with my parents, lived in Pennsylvania and even in my old apartment in Harlem, because it’s no secret that I love cupcakes!

Well, two grocery stores and one drugstore later (I can’t travel much further on foot with my still-a-mystery-how injured foot), I am cupcake baking liner-less. I just ordered them online and hopefully they’ll arrive in the next hour or so, because I want to bake some spring goodies!

Speaking of spring goodies, there are a couple of spring-ish things currently making me happy this weekend…

 

This daffodil plant I picked up at Trader Joe's seems to have quite a sunny disposition. It's been sunny and warmer in NYC this week ever since I brought it ho

I picked up these fun, vintage rainbow-colored, drop earrings from my friends at Estate Jewels at the Brooklyn Flea. When they didn't sell last weekend, I knew it was meant to be! I can't wait to work them into my spring wardrobe.

 

My dark-colored glittery nails may seem like the opposite of "spring" but they've dazzled compliments left and right! A gifted bottle of Milani #522 Silver Dazzle (you can get it for $4.99 at CVS!)

 

 

 

Designer Spotlight: Jac Vanek (+ a giveaway!)

That's Jac, starring in her own lookbook!

A few months ago I had the great pleasure of meeting up and coming designer Jac Vanek. When I walked into a room full of tongue-in-cheek t-shirts, I had no idea how bubbly Jac would be!

Jac's latest design, never behind the trend curve! $24.00

 

After learning a little more about her, I learned that she until she attended her first concert solo, Sugarcult, Finch, and Something Corporate playing at her local mall in Orange County, CA, Jac was a pink-loving, popular cheerleader, who no one would’ve normally pictured in that music scene. After convincing her parents to let her attend without supervision, Jac decided that her one true love was in the music business and after working a variety of music-industry jobs that included writing, freelance graphic design and photography, she found her inspiration to create.

Jac's designs (literally) speak for themselves

Jac made her first bracelet and made a few copies for friends that just said one word, “Ruthless”. As the buzz began to grow, so did the demand on the music scene for her bracelets. With the great success of this one bracelet, Jac has now created over 50 different designs on bracelets, t-shirts and jewelry. She’s worked with tons of celebs–everyone from Miley Cyrus to the guys of Cobra Starship–and was a huge influence in the NOH8 campaign. She’s worked with PETA2, Open Our Eyes and Invisible Children. Plus, check out everyone wearing her!

From walking into her room at the Ace Hotel, I instantly knew I wanted to be part of Jac’s success because her designs say things that most graphic tees and bracelets don’t say. They actually said things I wanted to wear, not corny things or clichés like most of the stuff on the market. So…here I am, telling you all about her, because I think you’ll want to wear them too!

Jac’s designs are available online in her store, were recently picked up by Bloomingdales and are available in boutiques across the country…find one near you!

She’s also got a pretty cool Twitter account with over 65,000 followers. (I’m still trying to figure out how she managed that!) When I asked her how she had that many followers she giggled and said, “Honestly? I just don’t know. But it’s cool!”

Jac’s tees, bracelets and jewelry are totally affordable, which is awesome, but free is always better. Which is why….you’re in luck:

I’ve got not one, but TWO prizes to giveaway!

The 1st: a “Believe In Something” t-shirt with a “Believe” bracelet

The 2nd: a “Sorry for Partying” tank top with a “Glamorous” bracelet

How to win? Leave a comment and tell me which one you want to win! It’s that simple. I’ll pick two winners (from a hat) on March 31, 2010.

Really want to win? Promote the contest on your Twitter and/or Facebook! If you post on Twitter make sure you copy me @erikasaprincess and if you promote on Facebook tag @Shoes Shirts & Other Sh!t (you have to be a fan) so I get your extra entries!

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