Statement Hair : Sleek Straight Ponytail

Sleek Straight Ponytails are timeless and classic.  So it was of no surprise to me that this style re appeared as a Fall/Winter 2014 hair trend at the Kate Spade show here in NYC a few weeks back.  I love this style whether it be high at the top of the head or even low at the nape of the head.

If your natural hair is not long enough to create this look you can always "fake it till you make it" . My best suggestion is the 23inch Wrap by HairDo  . Although this ponytail comes with a slight wave/curl , this hair is heat friendly fibers so you can use your flat iron to make it stick straight.
If you're not into wearing pieces,  give your natural hair a growth BOOST with Toppik Hair Nutrition 2-in-1 Capsules , a few months of these plus regular trims you should see some hair growth due to all the nourishing vitamins in these capsules.  I'm still a fan of extensions -  Instant gratification and the option of ever-changing hair styles ,but the pay off from taking vitamins are greater.

 Below is a step by step tutorial on how to achieve this look  (even with product recommendations)  as explained by Garnier Fructis Style Celebrity Hair Stylist Tommy Buckett.  Enjoy !

What I'm Loving this WEEK : Luxe Finds for $10 and under !!!

I love a fabulous find for a fabulous price ! So I was pleasantly surprised to discover this uber fabulous  Star Midi Ring by Lux Accessories  . It adds the right amount of edge and dainty-glam to any look. May I add that this ring is only $3.99 !!! GASPS ! A fraction of the cost of other Midi Rings / Accessories , yet not short on the quality/ style.    To bring your hands to the NEXT level,  pair it with Textured Silver Crystal Sparkle Nails.  Zoya Pixie Dust in Cosmo  ($10) is the perfect choice to do that. Cosmo is one of the three shades included in the Spring 2014 Magical Collection.  Honestly, any of the shades would work, but there's something about Cosmo that I love paired against gold jewelry.  

Is this not the most luxe pairing ??? Fabulous nails and a fabulous midi ring selection.  The Star Midi ring just Shines bright !!!  I'm in LOVE with this ring !!! 

Here as you can see a closer view of the Star Midi Ring I wanted to create a ombre-effect so I used a darker shade.  Essie's "For the Twill of It"  ($8.50) was the perfect addition.  

You can purchase the Cosmo and the entire Magical collection on Zoya.com 
Just for you lovely readers  ...  You can score 25%  off your Lux Accessories orders with the  discount code DEESSE !!   You can shop via Amazon and Ebay  . Happy Shopping!!!!!   

LFW STREET STYLE : STEAL THE LOOK

I honestly love seeing how Street Style varies according to region and there is something about how the girls in London dress for LFW its a sight to see.  I wanted to do a breakdown of key items to incorporate into your wardrobe to channel LFW without having to fly across the pond.  

1. Classic Coat - Everyone has been photographed in these lately .  Topshop has some cute tailored  coats in fun colors.  The key is to stick to a nude hues when buying these coats. 

2. Dainty Handbags -  I mean London is the home of the Queen .. It would be silly to be seen without one.  

3. Full Midi Skirt -  I am in LOVE with these skirts !! They can go from ladylike to edgy ( kind of how I like to play around with my pieces) . Choies has the CUTEST Midi Skirts !!! These can transition through all of the seasons , but a staple amongst street style best dressed. 

4. Platforms - No explanation necessary .... Just make sure you have a pair !! 

5. Pretty Blouse -  In fun patterns to really POP out from your tailored coat.  

6.  Statement Earrings - I'm in love with these Statement earrings from Bauble Bar ironically named "Middleton Drops.  Perfect touch of femininity to your outfit.  

With these six key pieces you're set to give the UK girls a run for their money!!  

GYM CONFIDENTIAL : Key items for your gym bag

This is the perfect time of year to work on getting your body ready for summer with all those pool parties and holidays in your near future. Sweating it out at the gym doesn't mean we can't keep up appearances after the 500-700 calorie burn.

Some of my suggestions to keep in your gym bag are :
1. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil ($32) -  Washing my face is about the first thing I do once I'm done working out at the gym, and I am all for the whole "face oils" movement that's going on.  Post workout when you've just released so much of those toxins out of your pores is the perfect time to use a gentle all natural cleanser like this one.

2. GUD Natural Cleansing Wipes ($3) - I love these , especially if you're not too fond of public showers. After using these wipes no one would know you've just spent an hour in hot yoga. Perfect for when you have other engagements after a workout , you won't have to be self conscious that anyone would know you've been workin' it out !

3. Mama Mio Products  -  Everything from Get Waisted to The A Cream to The Activist.  Mama Mio has a plethora of products that firm skin,  diminish cellulite, perk up boobs, soothe muscles, you name it ,  Mama Mio  has it.

Enjoy your workout ! 

Valentines Day Treat !!! - Mini Magical PixieDust Gift!

This Valentine’s Day Zoya Nail Polish wanted to bring a little magic to your life, so we they have a very special gift just for us polish loving Pixies! Here’s a hint… it’s prettier than flowers, sweeter than candy and shines just as bright as diamonds. Give up? It’s a LE Zoya Magical PixieDust (holographic textured) Mini Trio!

NOW through 2/19/14 (11:59pm EST), Get a special edition Magical Pixie Mini Trio (0.25oz bottles) FREE with any purchase of $30.
BONUS – Spend $35 or more for FREE Standard Ground Shipping!

Code: MAGIC

LE Zoya Magical PixieDust Mini Trio includes: 
1 - 0.25oz bottle of Zoya Cosmo (silver)
1 - 0.25oz bottle of Zoya Lux (pink)
1 - 0.25oz bottle of Zoya Vega (blue)


How It Works:
 
1. Add $30 or more of Zoya, Qtica or Qtica Smart Spa products to your shopping bag. Don't forget - if you spend $35 or more, shipping is FREE!

2. Enter Code MAGIC into the coupon code field in cart and press "Apply Code" (Magical PixieDust Mini Trio will automatically be added to the bag).

3. Complete check-out, review and submit order. 
 
*Terms & Conditions
Valid online only at www.zoya.com and www.qtica.com through 02/19/14 (11:59pm EST) OR while supplies last. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons, codes or promotions. Continental US only. Excludes Color Spoons. Art of Beauty is not responsible for incorrect addresses, credit card entry errors, web related issues or any errors associated with declined credit cards. Returns or exchanges of promotional items not permitted. Code must be entered at time of purchase. One code per account - code cannot be reinstated for canceled orders. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing depending on volume. 

Nail Trends as prescribed during NYFW

As I see it textured nails , deep wines and my favorite graphic half moon variations are the forecast for A/W 14.  Below you will find some of my favorite looks from the shows that I would be including in my own personal looks ( well I practically do all of these already).  Enjoy !

Zana Bayne 

Zang Toi

Zang Toi

Zimmermann

Rolando Santana

Photo Credits : Zoya Nail Polish  For more information please check out www.zoya.com

NYFW Essentials - How to stay camera ready from Day to Night .

NYFW is finally here ..  The one magical week that comes every year in February where we all get ready to see the AW collections in February and we can't wait for next winter to arrive ( when we haven't even got to Spring yet) .  Season after season the Street Style has become more and more buzz and note worthy where some go into debt keeping up with the aesthetic.  You REALLY DON'T  have to go that far but you can still look fabulous!!

1. Bold Matte Purple Lips  -  MAC Heroine ($16) is the perfect vibrant purple that stands out on any shade of skin.  A honorable mention is Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Exxxagerate ($7.49) , not as bold as Heroine but equally as pretty I love it.   
2. Shine FREE Makeup - Whether you're lucky enough to get your face beat or have to do it yourself no one wants shine creeping up on our faces.  I love Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender ($40) , there is nothing like this and it really gives you the runway ready matte face we all deserve. 
3. Nude Nails Chrome Nails Bold Nails - Our hands are the focal point whether we are aware or not.  Everyone is on their cellphones,  taking photos,  updating social media, etc... You have to have cute hands.  You can't go wrong with Zoya nail polish ($9/each) with a Nude shade like Normani , or a Chrome shade like Cassedy or a Bold shade like Giovanna . 
4. Fun Rings !!! -  BaubleBar has some of the cutest finger candy .  The more rings the BETTER! 
5. Deco Bangles - If you can't find Deco inspired Bangles any fun set of bangles will do, as long as you pile and pile them on! 
6. Metallic Handbags -  Metallic pieces are great they can transition through all the seasons and add the right amount of POP to any outfit whether you are fashion adventurous or not.  Its a must for everyone's closet. 

However you do spend NYFW  hope you look fabulous while doing it !!!  

This V-Day do you want to be Flirty or Sexy? Plus something for the Guys too !!

When I think of being Flirty its being playful, demure, and not taking yourself or anything seriously.  This Valentines Day,  a soft gloss pencil is the perfect option to push that point across.  I absolutely LOVE the new Tarte Cosmetics Power Pigments ($24). They all leave a nice glossy pigmented finish and look GREAT on darker skin tones ( i.e. MEEEE ) . Checkout all of the shades swatched on me below : 

Pretty colors right ?? 

My next suggestion for being flirty is the Lil Lip Duo by LAQA&Co Cosmetics ($16) in Wolfman and Fairyblood .  These two lil pencils are very pigmented as well and Wolfman actually looks like a full on lipstick. Its the perfect pale pink ( well against my skintone).  I love these colors and they work well with a lip pencil in your skintone ( for Darker tones I suggest MAC Cork Liner) .  

Wolfman ... If you like pale lips you will LOVE this shade!  

Fairyblood ... a Cute shimmery pinkish peach gloss

Being Sexy needs no explanation , because being Sexy just comes from a woman being Strong Confident and Secure in what she wants. My suggestions in channeling your inner Femme Fetale are three key items -  Scent , Voluminous Pouty Glossy Lips , and long whispy sexy Lashes to look into your guys eyes with all night long.  

Killer Queen by Katy Perry ($59)  is such a sexy scent,  Katy is all about female empowerment ( think of the lyrics to ROAR) and the style of this scent is :Sexy, Royal, Radiant - everything WE want to be not only on V-Day but EVERYDAY!!  

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss ($19) does exactly what it says enhance your lips. Nothing screams sexy like plump glossy lips in a girly pink like "Pout" or deep red like "Starlit". A pretty bare natural face with bold glossy lips is just the right amount of sexy without looking like you're trying too hard. Last but not certainly least are Dose of Colors "Show Stopper" Lashes ($14) .  I LOVE wearing falsies , and they really do accentuate the eyes especially when you want to exude being sexy and fearless.  These lashes are 100% human hair and can be re-used ( a plus!!) .  

Lets not forget our Beaus.... 

Two of my favorite scents for Men currently are Guess Night ($49) and Nautica Voyage ($48) . Both of these scents are clean , masculine , classic and sexy.  The perfect little gift for the Men in your lives ( Beaus, Dads, Brothers, etc...) .  Nothing is better than a well dressed , well groomed man that smells good!  

Being that this is the month all about love .....

Here are the simple rules - 

1. Comment under this post as to why you should win this cologne for your favorite guy.  

2. Include this same comment in a email to me 

3. Deadlines for entries is Sunday February 9, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST. 

4. Winners will be chosen and notified by email February 10, 2014. 

GOOD LUCK!!!!