Stash all your essentials in this super cute Mogil Studded Front Clip Leather Oversized Clutch from ASOS:

The cute piece has a bold color block geometric pattern and sultry studs. The black color makes it versatile enough to mix and match, while the blue strip assures you’ll stand out! Purchase here.

Divas Mariah and Rihanna (Mimi and Rih Rih) showed that black on black is always chic, stunting in all black outfits for the launch of Vevo last night in New York. Similar outfit combinations are easy to pull together, but the trick, as the stylistas show, is to pile on tons of amazing eye catching accessories:

For an after work mixer, pair an empire waist belted top with a pencil skirt, and slide on platform pumps and tantalizing jewelry:

The time of year is approaching when you’ll have to dust off your metallic tops, vibrant shifts, and eye catching shoes!
All this month we’ll be exploring outfit options for Holiday Parties, kicking off today with the Office Jammer:

Stunt in front of colleagues in smart pieces that marry conservative office chic with your personal style. Mix and match the following separates with your classic black pants, skirts, and jackets for a work perfect party look.

A colorful top:

Shine like the star you are in a long or short sleeved top in a sheen and color that captures the spirit of the holidays. If your hesitant, know that you can tone the look down with a work appropriate classic pencil skirt, jacket, and black pumps.

A festive holiday skirt:

Inject a bit of sass to your wardrobe with a standout skirt. Keep your top simple so your skirt can shine on its own! Don’t forget opaque tights:

A vibrant shift:

Take the guesswork out of your outfit by slipping on a shift in a vibrant holiday inspired color like red, green, or gold:

The statement necklace:

Take the path of least resistance by piling on a chunky necklace. As Bonnie Morrison displays, a hot necklace can take any look to the next level. Simply wear your typical black or patterned dress, and layer on a holiday appropriate conversation piece:

A hot shoe:

Accent all of your outfits with a look-at-me shoe that will assert your style and set you apart from the crowd:

Stay tuned for more on how to dress for the holidays for less!
Smootches!

We’ve gotten a few requests for Usher’s Brown Jacket from Gucci Mane’s Spotlight Video! Keisha said, “The sherpa lined jacket is expensive (seeminly Rick Owens or Martin Margiela expensive )…can you help me find a moderately priced alternative?”
The closest we could find to his shearling lined leather was this $1,050 Nat Jacket by brand Mackage:

The brown sheepskin jacket features epaulet shoulders, zip sleeve cuffs, and a duo snap tab collar.
Get the jacket here:

Danielle from the Style and Beauty Doctor keeps bringing it with the fabulous makeup posts!

Today, it’s all about Blush:

Enjoy!

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Blush has been said to be the one makeup product that women tend to avoid the most especially women of color. I’ve seen great makeup looks that would have looked even greater if only blush was used to pull everything together. Ladies, no matter how you slice it, blush is a must!

So how do you figure out which blush to use? Simple, read on.

Similar to finding the right foundation, in addition to picking the right color for blush, you must also choose the right formula. Here’s a quick guide:

Dry Skin: Creme blushes tend to be more hydrating and flattering.

Oily/Combination Skin: Powder blushes work best as any other consistency can tend to slide off on oily skin.

Normal Skin: almost any blush formula works including liquid and gel formulas.

As far as finishes are concerned, shimmer is good for a youthful glow however, matte is more forgiving on all skin types. Take care when using shimmer as it can make not-so-tiny pores seem larger than they appear.

After choosing the right formula, find the right color. Your most flattering shade of blush will be the color your cheeks turn after working out or you can pinch your cheeks and see what color they turn. I’ve created a handy guide for colors based on skin tones.

(As a quick tip, the darker your skin, the brighter the blush–now, don’t be nervous, the pigments in your skin can take a brighter blush and it will look absolutely gorgeous on your skin.)

Pick a celeb below whose skin tone closely matches yours and try the shades I’ve suggested.

1. MAC Blush in Well Dressed $18 at MAC 2. NARS Blush in Orgasm $25 at narscosmetics.com 3. NARS Blush in Outlaw $25 at narscosmetics.com 4. NARS Blush in Lovejoy $25 at narscosmetics.com 5. NARS Blush in Taos $25 at narscosmetics.com 6. MAC Blush in Raizin $18 at MAC 7. NARS Blush in Taj Mahal $25 at narscosmetics.com 8. NARS Blush in Exhibit A $25 at narscosmetics.com

You can apply blush either before you put on foundation (for a natural look), or after foundation but before powder or even after foundation and powder–it’s up to you and your routine. To get the longest lasting blush, apply finishing powder on cheeks first, then blush, and then another thin layer of powder. For maximum color payoff (and to help blush last longer), first apply a creme blush and then a powder blush in the same color on top.

Using an angled brush like MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush, smile and lightly sweep the blush on the apples of your cheeks and the top of your cheekbones. If you’re using a creme blush, apply with your middle finger and lightly tap your cheekbones and tops of your cheekbones then blend with your ring finger. Then follow with a light dusting of finishing powder.

Make Up For Ever, another powerhouse makeup brand I love, has some awesome diagrams on where to apply blush according to your face shape. Check it out:

Applying blush first before eye and lip color can help to determine how much eye and lip makeup you need. Often times you can get away with just wearing blush!

And there you have it, a quick and dirty guide on blush. No longer should you be afraid of blush. Keep it as a part of your normal beauty routine and your face will thank you.

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Great job, as always Danielle!
I’m a MAC head, so wore Raizin Blush for years. Now I’m down with Breezy.
What blush makes your cheeks pop?
Smootches!

I had to pick my mouth up off the floor after viewing Rachel Roy’s chunky necklace from yesterday’s Hot! or Hmm. It made her whole outfit! I did a bit of research and found she was rocking a version of Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2009 Chain Necklace:

The price was unlisted, but let’s assume it’s not recession proof.
Just for fun, take a look at a few other Vuitton accessories:

Crystal Embellished Leather Chain Necklace, Monogram Paillettes Alma

Biseta Extra Clutch, Gold Brocade Thigh-high Boot
Ah, if I were a rich girl.
See more at www.style.com.

Keep your neck warm stylishly with this $55 Multi-scarf by brand KnottyLoop:

The versatile piece can be worn a myriad of ways for endless winter fashion fun!
Purchase here or at www.knottyloop.com.

Hey Guys!

So some of you may have already purchased the Fashion Bomb Guide for Blogging (if you haven’t what are you waiting for?!?), but still have questions about blogging, getting started, and taking leaps of faith.

I created the Ebook to answer the hundreds of questions I receive about starting a weblog, and am creating this post to answer every other burning question you may have. If you’ve purchased the Ebook, yet still have questions, let ‘er rip in the comments section.  I’ll do best to answer them throughout the day!

If you’d like to peruse our Guide to Blogging, get it here for $4.95:

Smootches!