Dress for Less: The Little Black Dress Edition!

    Who doesn't have the very famous "Little Black Dress" in their closet, maybe you have one or ten! but we all have at least one, that go to dress that we can dress up and down. Here I found a couple of  little black dresses these are a few of my personal fav's some have cutouts others are lacey or some with mesh insets and I throw in a little more naughty and daring for those who aren't afraid......and of course me being me and always looking for the better deals I found some identical or close to identical dresses from two great sites  of course the big difference is the price $$$$.... 

(Image source Nasty Gal.com and GoJane.com)

Nasty Gal's Betty Cutout Dress Here! for $58  Vs.  GoJane's Cut-out dress Here! for $31.70

 

 

(Image source Nasty Gal.com and GoJane.com)

Nasty Gal's Ava Lace Dress Here! for $58 Vs. GoJane's Lace Tank Dress Here! for $38

You can also find this dress in coral on both sites!

                                                              (Image source Nasty Gal.com and GoJane.com)

Nasty Gal's Peplum Mesh Dress Here! for $58 Vs. GoJane's Draped Mesh Inset Dress Here!        for $36.30

        (Image source Nasty Gal.com and GoJane.com)

Nasty Gal's X Rated Dress Here! $48 Vs. GoJane's Dos Equis Mesh Dress for $38  

***while writing this post I went to link GoJane's dress and the link was not available anymore I searched the dress and it was no longer available at their site I guess it sold out quick, But i decided to leave it because I love this dress! so if you are reading this they still don't have it :( but you can always go to Nasty Gal and purchase it of course for $10 more but it still is good price right?!?!.  

So to make up for the missing link I found this colorful number, they are not the same color but the style is almost identical, neon and mint  are in this spring/summer.

(Image source Nasty Gal.com and GoJane.com)

Nasty Gal's Plunging Lace Dress Here! for $48 Vs. GoJane's Lace Dress Here! for $28.80

Thanks for visiting!

♥Ariana

Tuxedo Inspired Nail Tutorial

This is my first nail tutorial, it's very simple anyone can do it and you don't need any crazy tools! but a world of advice don't do what I did, don't drink any caffeine before you try this you don't want your hands to be shaky...oops next time I should listen to my own advise!...lol
I got my inspiration from the photo that Zooey Deschanel tweeted while she was on her way to the Golden Globes. This is a great idea to do for prom its like dressing up your nails too!

 Here is what I used, I didn't used black and white like Zooey did I opted for a different look to my nail tuxedos.

• Base/Top Coat
• NYX Girl nail polish in Plain Jane
• Kiss brush on nail art paint in blue
• Nail Jewels
• and a sewing pin for dotting

First you want to file down your nails and shape them, I used a glass nail file that Mont bleu sent me. to be honest I have never seen or tried a glass nail file before but I'll talk about it towards the end of the post. Next but on you base coat of choice let it dry and add your base color and let it dry before you go on to the next step.

Next you will do you basic french tip, make them as thin or thick as you prefer...

Now you are ready to draw your fancy bow ties, it really isn't rocket science all i did was draw two inverted triangles and that's it! Like I mention before stay away from caffeine before you start drawing, my bow ties don't look that off right?!?!

Now all you need is to draw the buttons, I used the flat head of a sewing pin or a toothpick but you can use what you like if you don't have a dotting tool.

Now all you need to do is to let you nails dry before you add you top coat or the color will streak id you put your top coat before let it all you draw dry... My ring finger was feeling a little extra fancy so I added nail crystals for the buttons and drew on some suspenders and Voilá the finish product!

 As I said before Mont Bleu send me a couple of goodies to review, they are known for their crystal nail files made with SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS, They are hand crafted and they use made of Czech hardened glass are almost unbreakable and can be easily sterilized . Personally I wasn't aware that nail files could be made out of glass.. I have seen and used a variety of emery and metal nail files which won't last very long. These nail file are made to last you a very long time they claim to be  durable, re-usable, hygienic, safe, and can be used for many purposes, including hard skin removal and even filing pet claws. The best part is that they are affordable for a long lasting nail file. I have used mine a couple of times and even after i cleaned it the surface looked unused. You can find a different color, sizes and even personalized files HERE  and Mont Bleu also sale wholesale and to retailers or if you have a company they can add your logo on to them you can find more info for wholesale HERE . They don't only sale nails they have tweezers, compact mirrors, jewelry I am in love with these studs I love the cut of the crystal! they have great bedazzle items that's are great for gifts! besides sending me the swarovski crystal glass file they also send me a travel size file,  its great for on the go and it fits easily on your purse or make up bag and it has the same quality of the regular size ones.

You can find the earings Here

Tweezers Here

and of course all the different nail files Here 

♥Ariana

Splurge Vs. Steal: Jeffrey Campbell Cut Out Platforms

I know this is another shoe post but lets face it I cant help it I am a shoe addict! so here is another dose of Splurge Vs. Steal. The purpose of these post is to help those of  you who maybe don't have a lot to always splurge on the name brands we all LOVE♥
So here one the right is an inexpensive alternative to the Jeffrey Campbell Cut out platforms  these are from GoJane.com and I love them they may look heavy but they are actually super light weight.  and on the left we have the Jeffrey Campbell Pauline and Dominique spike platforms that you can find at NastyGal.com I love Nasty Gal! I have purchased a couple of items from them and I love them! So let me know witch of these do you like best...don't worry if you cant decide I love all them too ♥

     Jeffrey Campbell cut out platforms                      GoJane.com cut-out wood platforms
     Find them here: Pauline platform for$168         Find them here:Cut-out woodplatform for$30                Dominique spike platform for$175
         

♥Ariana

     

Splurge vs. Steal:Jeffrey Campbell American Flag Litas

I have a confession to make...I have a shoe problem! I cant resist!!!...lol I know some of you understand what I am talking about...no matter how different,ugly, weird or unpractical some shoes maybe to others I want them! So now that you know my little problem I will now share my addiction for shoes with all of you. Like most with this problem sometimes there's times when you can't feed to your addiction because let face it this addiction can get expensive, but no worries thankfully there are more affordable options that won't damage as much your wallet and you will still get the same look! Just take a look a these American Flag Lita's (on the left) I am obsessed with these and all the different color, textures and prints the Lita's come in. Now take a look of the flag booties on the right they look almost identical to the Litas the only thing different is the price! and if you live near Downtown LA you will find them there even cheaper!!!  you can find different colors and textures! but if don't live near LA you can find them at GoJane.com the links to where you can find the Jeffrey Campbell Litas and the GoJane lace up booties  are below....and let me know if you like these kind of post, also like my page on Facebook thanks!

Jeffrey Campbell  Lita platform boot-american flag           GoJane.com american flag lace-up booties

Find them HERE for $160                                                Find  them HERE  for $48.00

 

♥Ariana

Color Denim

      Well who hasn't seen color denim lately?!?! its everywhere this spring season but color pants or denim have been around for a couple of seasons now.This spring color denim is going to be even bigger with all the new pastels colors and of course there will be a lot bright colors as well. I am pretty sure  you have seen a nameless list of celebrities wearing them and its a must have this spring and coming summer season. It definitely changes the look of the regular denim jeans. I know for a couple of people  the bright colors can be quite intimidating specially in pants. Don't be afraid to experiment with color, If you are wearing color pants for the first time start by using neutral color tops and shoes, white or black tops. But if you are a little more daring you can experiment with print tops, you can also try color blocking! I believe there are no rules in fashion yes there are principles to fashion but never rules to follow, fashion is about creating and being unique and standing out in the crowed and rocking it like it nobodys business!...lol ......I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of different color denim and celebrities wearing them too! 

 Here is a great and simple example on how to wear and accessorize with color jeans with out going overboard with color

You can find color denim at most stores or online at different price rages. You can find similar mint jeans (Here) and other bright colors of course! 

♥Ariana

Happy Valentine's Day

Weather or not you celebrate it Happy Valentine's Day! I know some people don't like celebrating because they don't have a significant other or because its a "commercialized holiday" and yes you can show how much you care any day but hey someone created this holiday for a reason so why not give in and celebrated. I know some people get depressed because they don't have a a date or what not but for me Valentine's Day is not only for couples, its a day were you celebrate love in general you don't have to have a significant other or have a date today. You can spend today with someone you care about like a friend(s) your siblings, your pet or if you are OK with it even alone, stay in and do whatever makes you HAPPY weather it be watching your favorite movies, making yourself your favorite dish or eating a box of chocolate (or any dessert) by yourself. But whatever it is that you are doing today have a great day!

I personally want to celebrate my best friends! even tough we are not together today, don't worry girls I will eat as much cake and chocolate I can for you guys!!!..lol I love you girls and we might not see each other as much as we would like but I don't know what I would  do without you girls. You keep encouraging me every time I feel like giving up  you girls aways believe in me when others don't, no matter how crazy some of my ideas seem to be you girls always believe in me. I know that I can always count on you! and you girls can always count on me. Both of you inspire me so much, You Jesse I don't know how you do it, you have two amazing and adorable boys you gave up some of your dreams to become a mom, and no matter what life throws at you are still standing strong and you are a great cook...mmmm. Vanesa, you always know what to say, you always make me feel better. You have a way with words and you are such a positive person, you are caring and kids love you!!!  and I can go on and on talking about you guys.....but I'll stop here and just Thank You for the over 13 years of friendship and more to come of course and thanks for always being my Valentine's♥

and I'll leave you with a quote that I have framed and was gifted by one of my best friends.... oh yeah and a couple of pictures I hope you girls don't kill me for posting old picture of us...lol

"Friends stand by each other in times of sadness and in times of joy. You have always been around to make me smile, and to keep the tears away. Thank you for being a great friend. You will always hold a special place in my heart."

Vanesa, myself and Jessenia

 Jr year of HS Circa 2004

Circa 2004

Prom 2005

High School Graduation 2005

and of course I have to show off Jesse's cooking how good do these enchiladas look!!

Happy Valentine's Day ♥

♥Ariana

2012 Grammys: Best dressed

     If you didn't tune in this Sunday to watch the Grammys you missed out on some great performances like, Maroon 5, Foster the People with The Beach Boys, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Foo Fighters, Rihanna who perform on her own as well as with Coldplay (my favorite♥) and Sir Paul McCartney... and many more.

Of course I have to put my 2cents on my favorite best dressed these were my favorite! and coincidentally they are all wearing black. Black is such a classic color and you cant go wrong with black. Let me know who was your favorite?

Rihanna wearing Giorgio Armani and minimal gold accessories.

she looked gorgeous and hot from head to toe

not everyone can wear a cleavage or a low back like that but Rihanna rocked it!

little fact: Rihanna co-designed her plunging black dress with Giorgio Armani

Read more: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-style/news/pic-rail-thin-rihanna-gwyneth-paltrow-compare-sexy-dresses-2012132#ixzz1mKNbEpne

Adele also wearing Giorgio Armani

It was her night she looked great and took a couple of Grammys.

I loved her look very old Hollywood such a classic look,

I also loved her performance look.

I am going to attempt to recreate her make up look maybe ever her hair do! 

Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Stella McCartney cut out dress with a gold belt

I love Gwyneth Paltrow she is always very fashion forward she looked sophisticated and chic with her hair slicked back in a pony tail. 

and of course I couldn't leave the men out. Here is Adam Lavine from Maroon 5 (aka my long time crush)...lol don't mind the girlfriend Anne V which by the way looks great! and was wearing Anthony Vaccarello

Adam was wearing I don't know because I was to busy drooling but he looks hot!!!...lol I loved that he didn't matched his handkerchief with his tie or shirt but it still works.

Bruno Mars

ummm i think his pants were a little too short, but he stills look good. Very classic and a little retro with his hair do!

♥Ariana