Valentine's flowers 2013

Here are my Valentine's flowers from the Hot Tamale . . . a Prabal Gurung peplum blouse from the newly released line at Target and bright lime green ankle pants to go with it.

This new collection from Prabal Gurung is absolutely amazing. It nearly caused me to short-circuit because I didn't know which piece(s) to get. But this is the piece I chose. I love the peplum silhouette and the fit is so flattering on me. I was concerned about looking crazy but if I anchor the ensemble with black sandals and a small black crossbody, it keeps me from looking like a recent circus recruit. I also have a pair of royal blue ankle pants and several pairs of black dress slacks that pair well with the top. The Hot Tamale says that I look "chic" in this outfit. Mission accomplished.

More gifts to myself

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law got me another Sephora gift card for my birthday. I love that! It makes me feel special and it allows me to pamper myself a little bit. (Aren't they totally awesome???)

First up, we have the Clinique Chubby Stick, which I've been dying to try. I purchased it in Woppin Watermelon. I absolutely love it! It's a sheer pinky mauve. It's convenient. It's a very versatile color. It's moisturizing. I highly recommend it.

Next (and last) up, we have the Tokidoki gelato lip stain in Pink Martini. I do not like this one nearly as much as the Chubby Stick. The color is too bright and it isn't very moisturizing. I do really like the packaging.

I'm not usually one for gift cards because I feel that they don't require alot of thought on the giver's part; HOWEVER, in this case, I think that alot of thought went into the gift and I absolutely loved it!!!

Treats to myself

For Christmas, my in-laws gave me a Sephora gift card. That was so awesome since I'd never received one before nor had I ever shopped at Sephora.

So I decided to use it to treat myself to a new blush. This blush is frequently featured on various television shows and in several magazines. I've heard it's the best.

You guessed it . . . NARS blush in Orgasm.





When I first opened the compact, I thought I'd made a mistake. All the reviews say that it's universally flattering but it looked very bright, too coral and had alot of gold in it. But I decided to be brave and I tried some on. It was perfect!!! It gives my cheeks a healthy glow but isn't too bright and because it's a blend of peach, pink and gold, it DOES flatter everyone.

Then I decided to just treat myself to a new nail color for the New Year. I've been wanting to try something from the Essie brand and I saw that my local Walgreens had a sale on Essie ($8). Essie has soooo many fabulous colors to choose from so it was a tough decision but I finally settled on "Splash of Grenadine".

As you can see, it's not quite pink nor is it quite purple. This is a different color for me as well as a different finish. I usually use pearls and shimmers. Splash of Grenadine is a creme and it is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!

Another treat to myself was Maybelline Baby Lips in Grape Vine.

Baby Lips is an affordable new line of tinted and clear lip balms from Maybelline (and let's face it, it's just fun to say). Grape Vine is a very sheer purple and gives your lips just the right amount of color. It also gives you just the right amount of moisture without being too sticky and is convenient to shove in your pocket. And, Bonus! It smells like grape (but doesn't really taste like it). I got mine at Wal-Mart for about $3.

It's always nice to be treated to something special but don't forget to sometimes treat yourself!

My Man Rocks!

The Hot Tamale went on a business trip not too long ago. He usually tries to bring me back a little something. This particular trip he came home with these - gunmetal angel wing earrings with crystal accents. My Man totally rocks!!! I was extremely impressed because he picked them out all by himself and I love all things angels. They're quite substantial, almost like pewter, and the detail in the feathers is quite intricate. Every time I wear them, I get alot of compliments so I always take the opportunity to compliment my Hot Tamale on his impeccable taste.

I am in soooooooo much trouble ! ! !

I have just returned from the Grand Opening of a new little vintage boutique called Hodge Podge and I am in soooooooo much trouble. I walked out of there, having only spent $40. on 3 items but I had alot more than that in my arms before I put some things back. I purchased an 18kt white gold diamond & ruby cocktail ring for $5, a pair of red patent flats w/buckles for $15 and a gorgeous pink & red flowered ruffly blouse for $20. They will be featured on my blog at a later date.

One thing that I love about vintage shopping is that everything you buy is going to be unique. I love items that express one's individuality.

Another thing that I love about vintage shopping is that alot of the items you buy are sized for "real" women instead of stick figures. Just an interesting little aside . . . Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14 and she was considered to be one of the sexiest, most desireable women who ever lived.

One more thing that I love about vintage shopping is the prices. Vintage clothing is usually very good quality (the items were made when things were made to last) and reasonably priced.

When you are going vintage shopping, make sure that you allow yourself enough time to check the items over thoroughly and to be patient on your hunt.

The mini-fashionista

For my niece's upcoming birthday, I wanted to send her an actual gift that required some thought. So, I consulted her parents and was extremely excited to find out that she is VERY into fashion. A mini-fashionista, if you will. I was totally psyched to have the opportunity (or shoportunity) to shop for a mini-fashionista. Here is what I ended up with:


I HOPE SHE LIKES IT!!!

The outfit consists of an uber-cool tie-dyish/ombre t-shirt with a tattoo-style butterfly print, light wash demin capri pants, white studded gladiator-ish flip-flops and a sparkly turquoise purse stuffed with all kinds of goodies that a mini-fashionista will love.

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY TO THE MINI-FASHIONISTA!!!

Valentine flowers

When we got home from the store last night, a box with a big red "O" was waiting on the front doorstep. Inside were my Valentine flowers from my husband, The Hot Tamale. But they are not any ordinary Valentine flowers. They are gray suede flowers designed by Steve Madden. I can wear them with pants, skirts, even leggings. Aren't they amazing?!