Military Moment

Military-inspired fashion is having a major fashion moment right now. Ever since seeing Joan Smalls in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam Buckle Apron dress on the June cover of Lucky Magazine, I’ve been seeing green – olive green to be exact – in every store. The color is extremely flattering on all skin tones and when paired with leather accessories or cargo pockets, gives your look a masculine edge. Here are my picks for the trend and I’ve included both affordable and splurge-worthy items. Happy Shopping!

Military Jacket // $88.00

I have seen so many variations of the military/surplus/utility jacket whilst shopping this summer and I have to say this jacket from Express is one of my favorites. The material is lightweight and the neutral color is extremely versatile. Plus, the fitted style is flattering and compared to longer, more relaxed styled military jackets, your style will look put together, not just something you threw on.

Skinny Cargo Ankle Pant // $79.90

Remember Kim Possible’s baggy cargo pants? Think of this pair as its more chic and feminine counterpart. Skinny fit to accentuate your body and cropped right at the ankle to show off your shoes.

Roll Tab Sleeve Woven Shirt // $38.00

A relaxed and oversized shirt that can go with virtually anything. I love the roll-tab sleeves and this style is great for pairing with leggings.

Katia Crossbody // $34.00

This bag features two shades of gray leather to roughen up your look. Big enough to fit the essentials plus the added strap is optional so it can be carried as a clutch or worn as a crossbody!

Lace-Up Heeled Boot // $69.90

Last fall I practically lived in my military boots which were in a shade of dark brown, but currently I’m lusting after these. The taupe-gray shade has a broad range of colors you could pair it with and the laces and visible stitch detailing add the perfect military touch.

Button-Front Drawstring Jumpsuit // $27.90

This jumpsuit is all about making military-inspired style super simple. The lightweight one-piece look is perfect for a casual summer night and features bronze snap buttons to incorporate some delicate edginess.

xo

AC

#COACHPUPS

Miss Asia Kinney, a.k.a Lady Gaga’s pampered pooch is Coach’s new muse! The french bulldog is the star of their latest campaign #coachpups. In honor of this new pairing, Coach has donated $25,000 to shelter pets! Make sure you check out the collection which includes lots of Gaga and Asia-inspired elements like leather,studs, metallics and a deep purple color.  Asia’s purple Bicolor Edie bag is now for sale exclusively online but will be in stores soon! To give you a peek at some of the collection I’ve featured a few of my favorites. Make sure to check out all the latest accessories in dark metallics, black and purple, which are perfect for the fall season.

See more #coachpups and shop the collection here.

xo

AC

P.S. Don’t miss out on this adorable promo film!

Steal Her Style: Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo is best known for her style and her stint on MTV’s The Hills spinoff, The City.  In this look she pairs a chambray shirt with sleek black pants, bright pumps, a black leather bag and gold accents to put a spin on a casual outfit. This look is easily attainable, and I’m sure you already have a few of the pieces or equal substitutes in your wardrobe. If you don’t, follow along with the post to get a breakdown of this capsule and instant access to affordable pieces!

Velvet Heart Tab-Sleeve Chambray Shirt, Classic Indigo // $34.50

ASOS Ankle Grazer Stretch Skinny Pants // $45.00

Lady Lockbox Satchel // $39.00

Jessica Simpson Rachel Pump // $62.30 (ON SALE!)

Super Retro Hipster Horned Rim Frame Sunglasses // $9.99

Arch Angel Stretch Bracelet // $13.00

Platinum Grade Boyfriend Watch // $20.00

Do you have a look you’d like me to break down? Let me know in the comments section!

xo, AC

Tried & True : T3 SinglePass Professional Straightening & Styling Iron

My fiancée recently surprised me on my birthday with one of the most coveted styling tools, the T3 SinglePass 1″ Straightener  — another suggestion from hair fairy godmother Keeley.

My hair is curly, frizzy, coarse and extremely thick so when I look for hair styling tools I need something that straightens my hair fast and does an amazing job. Previously, I was using a CHI Air 1″ Flat Iron and it did the job but it seemed to lose its heating power after a while and stopped giving me the results that I wanted. When I brought up the issue to my stylist she suggested that I save my money and invest in a T3 since I style my hair nearly every other day. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait as long to get my hands on it since my amazing beau spoils me. Before I get into my review of the T3, here are the details from the manufacturer:

• 1″ plates
• Adjustable digital SinglePass instant heating up to 450° F
• Precision engineered, Tourmaline infused, Ceramic plates for smooth glide
• 9-ft professional swivel cord
• Heat resistant cleaning mat included
• World voltage
• Two-year warranty

So, what does that all even mean? First thing I want to touch on is the adjustable heating dial and controls. My previous styling irons, curling wands, pretty much everything featured controls on the outside that I would inexplicably press while styling and the tool would turn off. This iron has interior controls that are easily accessible and impossible to turn off while styling. Unlike any other tool I’ve used the iron also heats up to 450 ° F and has the precision engineered, tourmaline, ceramic plates. This allows the iron to create a gliding motion which smooths your cuticles, seals in the straightness and ensures a frizz-free style. (Trust me, I live in the Midwest it really is frizz-free style.)

Plus, it used to take me over an hour to do my hair since I had to go over the same pieces multiple times. Like the name suggests, I only had to pass through my hair once per strand to get the desired look that I wanted and it took me thirty, 3-0, minutes to style my hair.

Another thing I want to point out is the fact that the exterior of the plates get hot. My previous styling iron had cool-to-the-touch protective exterior, which is awesome unless you want to create beachy waves with your straightener. This iron lets you create those waves and curls, I recommend using a heat glove since the iron does get hot on the exterior near the plates. However your hands are protected on the base/lower part of the iron. Making waves is also a snap with this tool, I managed to create an entire head of beach waves in less than thirty minutes when starting with my already kinked air-dried curls.

At $160 it is pretty steep for a styling iron, but based on how much I used the tool after having it for just 5 days I know I am getting my money’s worth out of it. If you constantly straighten or wave your hair and are looking for something that will give you amazing results in a short amount of time, I would seriously consider investing in a quality product like the T3. I absolutely love it. Its efficient, gives me amazing results and the white and black iron features tiny rhinestones on the handle — so cute.

For more information you can head over to T3.

xo AC

Score While You Shop

Three of my favorite things in this world are gifts with purchase, free samples and rewards programs. I recently wrangled up some freebies in honor of my birthday this past week and felt that I just HAD to share a few must-have rewards programs. If you’re not a part of these rewards programs, get on it! They’re free to sign up for, offer amazing discounts and savings, and some of them even include birthday bonuses.

Sephora Beauty Insider, VIB and VIB Rouge

Sephora just revamped their rewards program to offer even more perks to their loyal customers. Points are offered based on the amount of money you spend and if you spend a certain amount in a calendar year you can be bumped up to VIB ($350) or VIB Rouge ($1000). Let’s begin with the basics of Beauty Insider shall we… The first level of this rewards program, which is offered at no cost, gives devoted fans a birthday gift each year, free beauty classes in store, product rewards (deluxe samples) and seasonal promotions. Before you think the birthday gift will be something small like a coupon, this years gift is a pair of mini NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella (red)  and Rikugein (neutral mauve).

VIB and VIB Rouge will get you access to exclusive sales, deluxe birthday and seasonal gifts, first dibs on products, free shipping and access to in-store events. Bonus, while you’re racking up points online Sephora sends 3 free samples of your choice with each online purchase.

Nordstrom Rewards 

Similar to Sephora’s Beauty Insider, this program works based on 4 levels that you can reach based on the points you earn on your Nordstrom rewards card. You do need to have a Nordstrom credit or debit card and for each dollar you spend with either of those methods, you get 2 points towards your account. The benefits included with this program are amazing to say the least. Get Nordstrom Notes, gift certificates to Nordstrom stores, online or Nordstrom Rack, based on the points that you’ve earned, get early access to Anniversary Sales, get credits toward Nordstrom Notes based on in-store alterations, V.I.P access to in-store events, an exclusive holiday event and personal triple point days. Need I say more?

bareMinerals FAB – Friends and Benefits

This relatively new program is has quickly won me over. Personal sale day when you complete your online profile, discounts on large orders, exclusive access to products and of course a birthday gift each year. Did I mention sign up is free? This year I stopped into the boutique and was pleasantly surprised when I found that the birthday gift didn’t even require a purchase! I just showed my membership card, got a free Moxie lipgloss in Rule Breaker – the perfect shade of golden nude by the way – and walked right out the door.

My Starbucks Rewards

I know this isn’t fashion or makeup-related but I use it almost everyday and every girl needs a coffee in hand while she is window shopping. My Starbucks Rewards works on stars, rather than points, each star is a visit to the store and isn’t based on the amount you spend. Life hack: make more than one trip to the counter if you’re really star hungry – thanks for that one Dad! Based on the number of stars you have your benefits increase. Green level is offered free drink or food reward on birthdays, custom offers on music, apps and downloads, early access to new products and easy payment and account tracking with the Starbucks app.

Gold level (at 30 stars – 30 visits in one year) gives members free food or drink item for birthdays AND every 12 stars earned, custom offers on music, apps, and downloads, free in-store refills, a personalized Gold Card and bonuses like free syrups.

Did your favorite program make the list? Let me know what I’m missing out on!

xo

AC

La Vie En Rose

In honor of National Pink Day, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite rose-hued makeup essentials. When you find the proper base tone for the hue, pink can be flattering for any skin tones and gives a perky pop to your look.

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow // $31

MUFE shadows always pack on bright, true colors and last for hours on end. With over 100 shades in matte, shimmer and glitter finishes you’ll be sure to find the perfect one. These pinks can be used in bright bold looks or as an accent to a natural eye look.

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in D850 Nitro Pink (Diamond)

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in S908 Mauve (Satin)

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in 1864 Baby Pink (Iridescent)

OPI Classic Nail Lacquer // $9.50

My go-to for polishes is always OPI. They are moderately priced, offer a plethora of brilliant shades and deliver a lasting formula. These eye-catching colors are perfect for showing off your toes this summer! Currently, I’m wearing Koala Bear-y.

OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in Koala Bear-y

OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in Feelin’ Hot-Hot-Hot!

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color // $20

This little crayon is my favorite for makeup applications on the run. I can just slip this into my bag and be ready for touch-ups whenever. Available in 10 shades, this stick offers moisturizing full-color payout to add a bold lip to any look. Added bonus, these lip colors are vegan.

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Big Bang

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Love Child

Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush // $26

This blush definitely lives up to its name. These hues can brighten your look and make you look instantly refreshed. Not only is the color payout amazing, its super long lasting!

Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush in Obsessed

Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush in Quickie

MAC Matte Lipstick // $16

My first lipstick ever was by MAC Cosmetics and now I’m a devoted follower of the brand. I love the matte finish because of its versatility — if you want some shine you can easily layer a sheer gloss over these colors for a shimmer or glossy look. The velvety formula makes it easy to glide-on the lasting colors.

MAC Matte Lipstick in Pink Pigeon

MAC Matte Lipstick in Steady Going

MAC Matte Lipstick in Flat Out Fabulous

Step into Summer : Lace-Up Sandals

Lace-up sandals are having a major fashion moment right now. Slowly becoming the “it” shoe, lace-ups offer a feminine touch to sandals the feature cutouts, studs and gladiator silhouettes. With summer officially in full swing I decided its time to expand my shoe collection and have curated a few of my top picks for the lace-up trend. These sandals can be worn day or night, are offered in multiple shades and can add a chic touch to any of your looks.

Dolce Vita Cutout Gladiator Sandal // $100.00

Genuine leather heeled sandals that feature a gladiator design with cutout details and a lace-up front. With a 4″ heel, you’ll be sure to stand out in these showstoppers. Available in black, coral and nude there is a shade for any outfit and any occasion.

Hinge Roman Strappy Lace-Up Sandal // $69.95

Available in brown and black leather this sandal offers the perfect casual look. The contrast between the leather and the sole of the shoe is one of my favorite details with the Roman Sandal. Dress it up or dress it down, this style is amazing. Pair it with a shift dress or printed shorts and you’re ready to take on the day.

Mia Gala Sandal // $29.99

First of all if you haven’t shopped at 6pm, you’re missing out! The options for sizes are sometimes limited but the discounts from MSRP are insane! Originally $59.95 these Mia Gala cutout lace-up gladiators are available in black faux-leather and tan faux-python leather. Grab a pair and make sure to browse all of the other fabulous deals available from 6pm.

Steve Madden Sandalia Sandal // $129.95

I’m a devoted Steve Madden fangirl, and just about died when I saw this sandal. This nubuck sandal features a 4 1/2″ heel and a 1/2″ platform. Perfect for us petite women! Compared to the Dolce Vita Gladiator, SM Sandalia offers a more feminine look with a more open design, but still offers bold color choices this time in royal blue, black and nude. FYI for my online shoppers, I love Nordstrom’s customer service and they offer free shipping on any order.

Topshop Figtree Leather Gladiator Sandal // $85.00

While I am petite, I still love a good flat. This leather Topshop flat features a sky-high lace-up feature measuring in at 14 1/2.” The style also features a back zip closure so don’t worry about struggling with the laces. While the previous styles offer femininity this one is delivering some Herculean realness. Embrace your inner Greek goddess with these sandals and show off your toned summer stems. Love the look but not feeling the height of the straps? Topshop offers the Fig Gladiator Sandal as an alternative in the same tan and a gold color. $65 at Nordstrom, shop here.

**The featured styles that are available from Nordstrom are priced as part of Nordstrom’s Summer Clearance Sale, online and in store through June 28, so get these amazing deals while you can!

Will you be stepping out in any of these styles?

xo AC

Cult Classic: Bumble and bumble

So I recently did the impossible, and found my dream stylist. My hair is extremely curly, frizzy and thick — which makes it incredibly difficult to cut or style, especially with the Midwest humidity. I have never had a stylist who can actually tame my hair into the Pinterest image that I have used for inspiration. My latest endeavor to the salon lead me to Keeley, my hair fairy godmother.

The only negative thing about having this gem in my life is the fact that she introduced me to Bumble and bumble products. I am a total doormat and if someone puts me on the spot and says “here buy this,” I will.  These products, albeit expensive (expect to blow the majority of a part-time paycheck on them), have completely transformed my hair and made it simple to get the styles that I wanted. I’m definitely sipping the Bumble and bumble Kool-Aid and will forever be a part of the cult following. I thought I’d share in case some of you lovelies have the same difficulties I have with styling and maintaining my healthy hair.

Bumble and bumble Quenching Shampoo // $31

I know, I know, $31 is steep for a shampoo, but it completely eliminates all of the dryness that I used to experience with my previous drugstore shampoo. It smells amazing, is gentle and restorative enough to use daily and you will find yourself asking strangers to feel how soft your hair is. Also, I saved some cash because Keeley informed me that the shampoo is more essential when compared to the conditioner, which essentially just offers a wax coat. Save the money and just grab a drugstore conditioner, I use Aussie Total Miracle 7-in-1 ($3.59) and it’s fantastic.

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer // $27

Sephora describes this product as a “pre-styler that protects, conditions, and eases styling for dry, brittle, or coarse hair.” I mist this onto my hair and run it through to the ends before blow drying, straightening or curling my tresses. It makes it hold the style, while keeping the moisture in my hair and prevents split ends. I’ve turned friends and family on to this product and they have also made it a must-have in their styling routine.

Bumble and bumble Surf Infusion Spray // $29

What is summer without sexy beach waves? This new spray is similar to Bb’s classic Surf Spray, but infuses oils to maintain softness and shine while adding texture. I love spraying this while styling with a curling wand, or even on my natural curls while my hair is still damp. As it air dries it helps maintain the shape of the curls and adds volume. Just one tip! Make sure to shake the product before using it since the oil does separate and floats on the surface of the spray.

All Bumble and bumble products are available online at their website, at Sephora or other higher-end retailers. You can also check your local salon to see if they carry Bumble and bumble products.

xo

AC

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE

When I first heard that Lindsay Lohan was getting involved in the fashion industry again, I was a little hesitant. Her previous excursions, including 6126, the line she founded with friend Kristi Kaylor, and her collaboration with Emanuel Ungaro, were less than successful… okay, they kind of bombed and were “deemed disastrous.” (Sorry LiLo!) But with the release of her latest collection for British fashion label Lavish Alice, I am pleasantly surprised… with a few pieces.

Lindsay Lohan x Lavish Alice, which launched June 14 exclusively on Lavish Alice’s website, features coordinating separates, ’70s inspired flared pants and lots and lots of fringe, tassels and netting.

The collection includes 19 pieces in black, white and grey tones, with the exception of her bright multi-striped collarless cape blazer and coordinating tailored shorts. All pieces in the collection range from €38 – €75 which translates to $50 – $98, with shipping to the US at about $16.83. (Yikes)

While most of the pieces are wearable there are a few more…eclectic pieces in the mix that I don’t think I’d ever step our in … cue the Black Fringe Tapered Leg Trousers or Black Tassel Hem Shorts.

I expect the few wearable chic pieces to sell out fast, so get them while you can! My favorite item? The Navy Tie Detail Mini Dress.

xo

AC

Click through the gallery below and tell me your thoughts on LiLo’s latest collection. Are any of the pieces a must-have for you?

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Multi Stripe Print Collarless Cape Blazer and Multi Stripe Print Tailored Shorts

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Cream Waterfall Back Structured Top and Cream Zip Detail Flares

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Black Tassel Hem Cape Blazer

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Black Suede Fringe Mini Dress

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE White Eyelet Detail Deep Plunge Crop Top

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE White Pleated Chiffon Hem Mini Dress

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Tassel Hem Shorts and Tassel Hem Long Sleeve Top

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Salt & Pepper Knit Plunge Bell Sleeve Top and Salt & Pepper Knit Slim Flares

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Navy Tie Detail Mini Dress

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Navy Blue & Black Tassel Blazer and Navy & Black Tassel Shorts

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Black Tassel Sleeve & Waist Blazer

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Black Fringe Tapered Leg Trousers

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Black Tassel Hem Shift Dress

LINDSAY LOHAN X LAVISH ALICE Black Satin Asymmetric Drape Culottes