Life is short; buy the shoes!

Yep, that sums me up.  I love shoes!  I can't help it.  Ridiculously expensive, beautiful, designer shoes.  Always have.  Always will.  So, it's that time of the year, my birthday!  Since I turned 30, I've treated myself to a fancy pair of shoes costing a small vacation.  Christian Louboutin, check; Valentino, you bet, Brian Atwood, got those too.  This year, I can't decide which to buy…so I need your help!  Here are the top 5 pics, in no particular order:

1.  Jimmy Choo "Damsen" Sandal

Jimmy Choo's Damsen sandal in Neon Flame is a front runner.  The chunky straps are modern, but the skinny heel adds some delicacy.  The Neon Flame color is definitely a showstopper!  ($995 at Jimmy Choo).

2.  Valentino "Rockstud" Gladiator Sandal

These handcrafted leather, thong sandal features Valentino's signature three dimensional pyramid rock studs positioned along the straps and three side buckle fastenings ($895 at Neiman Marcus).

3.  Gucci "Liberty" Sandal

I love the colors of this suede bold color blocking.  The sculptural, mirrored heel lends a geometric edge ($795 at Nordstrom).

4.  Jimmy Choo "Freesia"

This strappy sandal offers adds the right pop of color and exoticness.  The problem is I can't pick a color!! ($950 at Jimmy Choo).

Option 1 

Option 2 

5.  Christian Louboutin "Corneille"

A shoe list is not complete without a pair of Louboutins.  The asymmetrical pointy heel gives new energy to the black pump ($645 at Christian Louboutin).

I can't decide!!!  Vote on your fav below!

VOTE ON MY B-DAY SHOES

Fuchsia is Fabulous

My favorite lip trend for spring is the bold fuchsia lip.  Flattering all skin tones, a fuchsia lip is a younger, hip alternative to the classic red lip.  Gone are the days of soft, petal lips; this spring is all about big, bright and bold!

To achieve this trendy and chic look, first make sure your lips are exfoliated and well hydrated.  I'm obsessed with "the lip scrub" and "the lip slip" by Sara Happ ($24 each at Nordstrom).  "The lip scrub" comes in delish flavors like sparkling peach, creme brûlée, and sparkling pink grapefruit.

Next, dap off the excess gloss and line your lips with a color that's nearly identical of the fuchsia of your lipstick.  I like to fill-in my entire lip, as I found it helps keep the color stay longer.  My liner of choice is Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Definer, in 58 Rubellite ($29 at Nordstrom).

When you've finished applying the liner, apply your fuchsia lip color.  Some recommend using a lip brush to get better precision.  I am in love with the color, consistency and applicator of Too Faced's Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Fuchsia ($21 at Sephora).  With the shine of a gloss, lasting power of a stain and pigment-packed color of a liquid lipstick, I have to literally remove it after a long night of drinking.  It stays on that long people!!  And it's not sticky or over-drying either.

And voila, you're all set to go!

MK…To. Die. For.

I have not had any motivation to post these last few months, thanks to Chicago's subzero temps, but today I receive something in the mail that gave me the motivation I needed: Michael Kors' Summer catalog.  MK is already my favorite "affordable" designer.  From watches, to bags, to wedges, his design is sophisticated and flawless.  Here are a few favs from his Summer collection:

1.  The perfect wedge

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Giovanna Espadrille Wedge Sandal ($150 at Michael Kors).  I own these in the color above, Tangerine.  This strappy sandal with logo embossed hardware should is a summer staple.  They are actually extremely comfy.  These come in various colors: Tangerine, Luggage, Opic White, Pale Gold, and Black.  Can't find your size or color at MK, check Nordstrom (Tangerine, Luggage/Opic White, Pale Gold).

2.  Turquoise Waters

I love everything about this look.  The Michael Kors Dylan Aviator Sunglasses (these are actually in Green, on sale for $94.50 at Nordstrom) the Michael Kors Mid-Size Channing Golden Stainless Steel Three Hand Watch ($250 at Michael Kors) pop with everything, but especially crisp white.  Like the Channing watch but not the price, check out the similar Michael Kors Mid-Sized Golden/Blue Stainless Steel Three Hand Watch ($180 at Michael Kors).

3.  White Hot

These white swimsuits give me the (much needed) motivation I need to get skinny for swimsuit weather:

Michael Kors Belted Metallic-Strap Mailot ($529 at Michael Kors).

                                 

Michael Kors Bandeau Bikini with Hardware ($274 at Michael Kors).

                      

Michael Kors Side-Belt Mailot ($494 at Michael Kors).

4.  Summer Bags

This Michael Kors Large Nora Tote is perfect for the pool or beach ($198 at Michael Kors).  The clear croc embossed "jelly" with gold trim keeps this bag easy to clean, perfect for wet towels and just all around the best bag for the pool or beach.

Add a pop of summer color with this MICHAEL Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Multifunction Saffiano Tote in Palm ($298 at Michael Kors).

                     

Keep White Hot wit this MICHAEL Michael Kors Small Bedford Tassle Pebbles Messenger Bag ($228 at Michael Kors).

Which is your favorite?  Do you love MK as much as I do?

Enjoy.

xo