December Damage

Hello, Gorgeous


It's time again for my monthly haul && review- the video where I show you what I've purchased all month (from fashion, to beauty, to technology ((yes, I'm a nerd). Double parentheses are sexy) and review them. I'll make an exception and film hauls for occasions I do find multiple pieces, but this is my normal format since I don't purchase that many items with each shopping trip- usually an item here or there. I'll dedicate review videos solely to products I think deserve their own video, but I'd rather just show what I bought and how I've been liking it through the whole time I've been using it.


So, without further explanation, here's my december damage..

Items Shown (Links where available, also store where purchased)
1. Sunglasses: Chanel 5171, $290, Nordstroms
2. Sequin Vest: Free People, $68, Size Medium, Online
3. Sequin tank: Pure Sugar, $68, Size Extra Small, Von Maur
4. Purple eyeshadow: NARS, Night Rider, $23, Gift from Hanh
5. Strapless cream && black top: Bebe,$79, Size Small, Gift from Hanh
6. Backless Stretch Turtleneck dress: Bebe, $49, Size P/S, Gift from Hanh
7. Grey sweats: Twisted Heart, $135, Size Medium (Black are $100, Size Small), Von Maur
8. Cream coat: Knitted Dove, $88, Size Extra Small, Von Maur
9. Polishes (from left to right) Essie: Luxedo, Movers and Shakers, Hi Maintenance. OPI: Vodka and Caviar, Show it and Glow it!, Bring on the Bling, Gift from Hanh
10. Foundation: Lancome Photogenic Lumessence, Buff 4(c), $42 (Okay, I guess I was exaggerating on the 70, but still ...it hurt) Carson's
Not pictured: Black Kenzie double breasted black coat, $88, Size Extra Small, Carson's


Weird, everything I liked this month is either a neutral or shiny and silver. Why am I so predictable?


So, if you couldn't sit through my twelve minute rambling description of said items, here's a recap:
1. If you're interested in the Free People vest, be SURE to go a size up. I bought a medium and almost even wish I had purchased the large. That also is because I wanted a looser, more bohemian look- the size you want may change depending on the fit you're searching for.


2. The strapless top from Bebe that Hanh bought me would be an awesome choice for more petite figures as well- this top hits at the top of your hips, visually lengthening your legs. If you opt for this shirt and a pair of dark jeans or leggings, your legs will look instantly longer! the ribbon seam under your chest adds to this illusion by making your torso seem shorter, and your legs seem longer- aka, height in a bottle (..bottle? good one, Carlz. TOP).


3. Avoid stretchy, spandex dresses like the Bebe turtleneck if you're conscious of your size. These bandage-y type skin-tight dresses will only accentuate the areas you see as problems- leaving you uncomfortable, restricted and self-conscious.


4. Don't let your guy friends borrow your favorite pair of oversized men's sweats- ..because they will also become his favorite pair of men's sweats. But, if you're a sorry fool like myself, this pair from Twisted Heart would become a welcomed replacement


5. Dark polishes are always in style for the winter, glittery polishes are big this particular season- but these colors are sheer, so put down a base first and then add the shimmer as the final touch


6. Hide your money, because the Lancome counter ate mine. Nom nom nom.


I've now switched to including all information about my videos on these posts instead. It's much easier for me to include all questions I feel might be asked in order to help you find your answer right after watching the video (or even before, if you can't stand to listen to me for the complete duration and just want to see the pieces). Kind of like a cheat sheet, except one that won't get you in trouble. (...well. maybe with your bank account, but who likes HAVING money when you could be SPENDING money?!)


Following T. Swizzy, I too would go back to december all the time -if it were always as fabulous as this past month.


C'est Fini
xox,
Carly

Santa, Baby..

Hello, Gorgeous

While this look is technically a 'holiday' tutorial, the look is a classic color combination that can be worn year round- minus the santa hat, that is. I wore this look while on BlogTV and later out to dinner, and was highly complemented both on and off camera. The deep, dark eyes are reminiscent of Victoria's Secret Santa (my inspiration, as noted by my choice of Santa hat) while shimmery like the snow with the addition of silver liner and intense brow and inner corner highlight.

Eyes:
1. Shadows: All Shadows came from the Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette from www.beautychoice.com
2. Liner: Liner is black shadow created with a wet angled brush, Silver liner is JK Jemma Kid (Available at Target!)
3. Lashes:  Half lashes from Target
4. Mascara: Revlon Growluscious mascara in black
5. Highlight: Jemma Kidd Makeup School Highlighter/Shimmer duo in champagne


Cheeks:
1. Blush: Lower level left most bright pink blush from the Coastal Scents Blush Palette
2. Highlight: Same as eyes

Lips:
1. Lipstick: MAC Hue- this super light pink provides a base for the extremely pink gloss
2. Lipgloss: Too-Faced Mood Swing gloss- this shade changes to your 'perfect' pink, it turns a very vibrant and dark pink and stains your lips, the light base makes the color a more bubblegum pink

Brushes:
All makeup brushes used were Sigma Makeup Brushes. The pink brushes came from my pink brush roll, while the blush brush and under eye brush were the Sigmax HD Face Brushes. The original brushes are great for eye makeup *I don't recommend the large powder brush from the set, it bleeds and sheds EVERYWHERE*, but the rest of the set I use for my regular application (and all of my tutorials). The Sigmax HD brushes are new this year and are AMAZING- they are sooo soft and incredibly dense. The rounded kabuki is the brush I used to buff the blush into my cheekbones, while the angled brush is what I used to set my under-eye concealer. You've probably read 3,000 reviews on the HD brushes, but that's because they really are exactly like what everyone is saying.

Insert me awkwardly glancing at my pink tree, like I'm actually hanging the ornaments at this moment.. 

Haha, but really- I'm obsessed with my pink tree (pink hat, pink tree, PINK CHRISTMAS) (Can you guess my favorite color? I know, hard question). I tied a satin bow and glued on a huge rhinestone in the center in replace of the typical star and decorated my tree with a pearl garland, silver snowflakes and mini silver ornaments.

My favorite part of the tutorial? The ending special effects/the snow transitions. Girly girl meets computer nerd <3

Click below if you...
Haven't seen the video?
Want to check out Sigma Makeup Brushes?
Want to look at the shadow/blush palettes?

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
(...if you have to ask, YES, I AM singing along to N*SYNC. No matta whachyo holidayyyy, it's a time to celebraaaate!)

C'est Fini
xox,
Carly

Let's Get Ugly

Hello, Gorgeous


I have waited this entire month to finally make my take on the typical 'ugly' christmas sweater. You've all seen them or even perhaps wore them (Ugly Sweater party, anyone?), but you've probably never seen one like this! It's easy, inexpensive, and best of all- not actually ugly. So if you have a party to go to, or just want to get in the spirit- this is the perfect tutorial for you.

First of all, I got all of my supplies for this sweatshirt at Hobby Lobby. If you don't have a Hobby Lobby around your area, most craft stores should carry all of these supplies (Michael's definitely has the letters, ribbons, etc.) 

What you need:

1. A hoodless sweatshirt in a solid color: Mine is white, adult size small from HL and was only $9.99

-have fun and switch up the colors! My sister, Gina (blog name GinaCristman) has a red sweatshirt with a white ribbon instead! Mine is more of the typical Christmas feel, while Hanh has a pink ribbon and opted for a more general winter-themed sweater. But check what color letters are available before you purchase a specifically colored sweater. To make the sweater off the shoulder, you need to cut directly around the neckline. Start cutting the collar off of the sweater, and when the collar is about 75% off start moving off and cutting upwards- the final cut will only be about an inch away from the collar. Angle your scissors from 3/4 from the collar toward that inch mark and cut in an upwards motion. It seems like you've cut nothing off, but that little cut makes the sweatshirt completely off the shoulder- remember to always cut smaller, because you can always take more off- you can't add it back! 

2. Iron-on letters: These run anywhere from $1.99-$4.99 depending on the size/font of the letters. I chose a fun font that kind of looks like a Dr. Suess book (playing up the cartoon/funny feel) and I was able to do the entire front using only one package. The letters I used on the back were a much smaller font and I needed about 2 packs of those for how long my phrase was. When you iron these on, work in small sections- a few words at a time. And these letters are touchy, so if they wont come off from pulling it down after heating, pull the strip upwards and watch it work perfectly. 

3.Decorations: I chose a red sequined bow that required sewing, this step should be completed before the painting. I sewed under the top layer so the seam wouldn't be obvious, but used a red thread which matched the bow anyways.

4.Ribbon strap: I bought a yard of red ribbon (the inch sized- the size looks large upon purchase, but you want the bow to be seen so the bigger ribbon is necessary) pre-tied the bow and sewed the straps in place after pinning them in the desired location. You could sew seperate ribbons and then merely tie the bow on after, but I didn't want extra ties from the ribbon hanging off the sleeve- instead the bow looks as if its a natural part of the sweatshirt and flows from front to back. This is also more secure and will not come undone. I sewed the ribbon in an asymmetrical strap instead of a typical tank strap- this is more unique and stylish! 

5.Fabric paint: This cost about $3.99 per tube of paint, your design will determine how much or what colors you need. 

6.Glitter: The problem with glitter is that it can't be washed, so if you want to save and re-use this sweatshirt for a while you might want to avoid these steps- but if you're planning on making it for a fun christmas party, this definitely makes the entire sweatshirt. Add loose glitter on to wet paint and shake off excess once paint is completely dry. Make sure you allow enough time for the paint to really dry before you attempt wearing or even moving your creation. Also, make sure to place something between the middle of the sweater so the paint doesn't seep through to the back. If you're going to iron on words on the back, make sure to do this before painting the front! 

The hardest part was picking what phrase I would use. My sister and I were dying coming up with possible combinations from hilarious to downright ridiculous. I ended up choosing my favorite Christmas song and sticking with the cute motif- (...for the front, that is. Obviously I decided to channel my inner Antoine Dodson on the back) but you can do SO much with this! You can keep it traditionally ugly or you can make it party-funny with anything from "tis the season..." to "I'm on the naughty list".(...our personal favorite was a picture of Cupid the reindeer with a deck of cards. ....The Cupid Shuffle. obviously). Hide ya milk, hide ya snacks, cuz he's eatin' everything out there. Get creative and have FUN with it! Click here to watch the video tutorial

C'est Fini

xox,

Carly

High Style Low Cost: 6 Ways to Wear Sequin Shorts

Hello, Gorgeous


My earlier blogposts already discuss how sequins are huge this season- my latest video shows how to wear the trend using one piece (sequin shorts from shopakira.com) with items from your own wardrobe. If you haven't already watched the video, click here, otherwise the items are listed down below...

1. Sequin Shorts: ShopAkira.Com $38.90
2. Silver Clutch: Coach, $128
3. Silver Shoes: Enzo Angiolini, $88.95
4. Blazer: Central Park West, Size S
5. Boots: Stuart Weitzmann
6. Grey Sweater: Trouvé, Size S: $48.90


These shorts are an inexpensive way to wear the sequin trend- pair them with a classic black blazer and flat boots, or with an oversized sweater to tone down the sequins.
C'est Fini
xox,
Carly