Therapy Session: Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Failbait

I've found the world's greatest orange lipgloss. Seriously, I have! And its name is Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Failbait.

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Trend-Spotting: Bright Clutches

It's time to brighten up! One of the hottest trends this season is bright clutches. Think every shade under the sun -- red, orange, yellow, pink, you name it -- and the brighter the better! (And does it get any cuter than this Lulu Guinness Shocking Pink Perspex Lip Clutch?) Check out some of my favorite takes on the trend after the jump.

J.J. Winters Suede Fringe Clutch in Purple
A long layer of fringe lends visual intrigue to this gorgeous purple clutch.
$297 at shopthetrendboutique.com

Miu Miu Polka-Dot Canvas Clutch
White polka dots set against a ground of shocking pink add a touch of whimsy.
$495 at net-a-porter.com

Halston Heritage Susan Watersnake Clutch
Cayenne-hued snakeskin makes a strong visual impact.
$136.50 at shopbop.com

Christopher Kane Laser-Cut Leather Clutch
It just doesn't get more electrifying than neon yellow, does it?
$530 at net-a-porter.com

Kate Spade Romeo & Juliet Book Clutch
Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Methinks Juliet would have fallen for this adorable clutch in an instant.
$325 at katespade.com

ASOS Portfolio Envelope Clutch
Bright yellow and bold gleamy metal make for the perfect summer evening bag.
$34.48 at asos.com

Animal, Vegetable or Mineral: M.A.C Mineralize Charged Water

One of the latest collections from M.A.C -- Semi Precious -- includes a product that hasn't left my side since I took it out of the package. I'm referring, of course, to the M.A.C Mineralize Charged Water -- the most recent addition to my prized collection of face mists.

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Mani of the Week: Zoya Tobey with CND Effects Amethyst Sparkle

It was kind of grey out today, so I decided to brighten things up with a crazy pink hue! I went for Zoya Tobey (confusingly referred to as both Tobey and Tobi on their website, though my bottle very distinctly says the former) -- a gorgeously bright fuchsia that I'm fairly certain can be seen from a mile away!

To spice things up a bit, I painted one coat of CND Effects Amethyst Sparkle on top. The effect, as it were? So much sparkle and shimmer, I feel like a disco ball in the best possible way!


A closeup version of my nails so you can see the sparkle!

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Shimmy for Shimmer: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner for Natural to Color-Treated Hair

I think I just fell in love. Not with a boy, but with my shampoo and conditioner. Yes, that may be melodramatic, but I don't care -- and if you tried Shu Uemura Art of Hair Full Shimmer Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner for Natural to Color-Treated Hair (say that three times fast), I know you would feel the same way.

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Exclusive! Awesome Manicure by Celebrity Manicurist Beth Fricke Using OPI!

Have I got a treat for you today! My gal Beth Fricke (for Artists by Timothy Priano using OPI), did an absolutely unbelievable manicure for someone special recently and gave me the exclusive details just for you! Beth did the awesome manicure above using OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Steady As She Rose ... and then put Navy Shatter on top of it.

Steady As She Rose is actually a very pale pink. Don't you just love the deep, darkened hue of the Shatter on top of it and the amazing crackle effect it produced?

Thanks so much to Beth for sharing this photo!

Trend-Spotting: Tap Pants

I'm in a girly state of mind this week, so I was delighted to discover that tap pants have become one of the season's hottest trends. As the name may imply, tap pants originated from tap dancers who wore them while practicing their routines. And while they often fall into the same silhouette family as running shorts, they're definitely much sexier (just see the Only Hearts Last Rose of Summer Tap Pants, $52 at revolveclothing.com, above for proof). Check out some of my favorite takes on the trend after the jump.

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Mani of the Week: Sephora By OPI Don't Go There with Orly Out Of This World

In case you can't tell, I'm really enjoying two-color manicures at the moment! This week I went for two complementary purples that had been sitting in my collection for, well, years. Shameful, I know! I used Sephora By OPI Don't Go There (from 2008's Autumn and Eve Collection), accenting with Orly Out Of This World. Out Of This World is from Orly's famed Cosmic FX Collection.

I love the creamy consistency of the Sephora by OPI color, especially paired with the glittery magic of Orly.

Closeup of Orly Out Of This World

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Trend-Spotting: Red Denim

Denim is certainly red hot this season! Celebs including Hayden Panettiere and Ashley Greene have been spotted wearing red denim while out and about. Check out some more takes on the trend after the jump.

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Customize Your Lip Color with Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss

Being an individual? It's incredibly important to me. So when I came across Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss, a clear gloss which promises to transform your pout into its very own shade of pink, I simply had to try it.

So I slicked on the gloss and watched to see what would happen. Within seconds, my lips had deepened to a gorgeous mauve-rose hue ... definitely different than any other lipgloss I have in my arsenal!

This is due to the gloss's innovative formula -- a combination of Goji Berry-C Complex, ginkgo biloba, pomegranate seed antioxidants, marine botanicals and avocado oil. Not only will your lip color be all your own, but your lips will be so super soft and smooth!

Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss retails for $22 at sephora.com.

A Friend's Mani of the Week: Chanel Peridot

My gal Daniella is wearing the truly covetable Chanel Peridot on her nails this week! As soon as I saw her mani, I simply had to show you the amazingness. Here's what Daniella has to say about the polish...

It's holding up really well and I love that it goes on SUPER smooth. That's probably more a quality of the polish formula than the color. But the color shines gold/green/teal depending on the light and angle.

Aren't you just LOVING this color? Thanks to Daniella for letting me post her pic and thoughts!

A Departure from Fashion and Beauty for a Moment...

Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of attending the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends -- coincidentally, also named Jamie! We've known each other for over 20 years! At the end of May, she married her longtime sweetheart. Jamie is part of my nearest and dearest group of girlfriends -- we've all known each other since the 4th grade -- and all of us were in attendance at what was truly a special experience. I borrowed a couple pictures from her photographer and am posting them here -- as you can see from the second photo, we all love to laugh and be silly!

Mani of the Week: NARS Schiap

Since I've been doing a lot of crazy colors for my manicures recently, I decided to go a little more ... well ... normal this week. If you can call crazy bright pink "normal," that is! I went for NARS Schiap, which is one of the brightest pink polishes I've ever seen! I'm loving the creamy consistency and the ease of application. It looked amazing with only one coat, but I did two to be on the safe side.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Trend-Spotting: Bloomers

Okay. NOT that I want to go back to being a kid, because I actually really like being a grownup. But there's something so young, easy and carefree about the trend of bloomers, isn't there? They're cute, they're girly, they're adorable ... and no matter how old I get, I always want to be all of those things. (Seriously, just look at this pair by Undrest, $62 at shopbop.com). Check out my favorites after the jump.

Rugby Baden Cotton Voile Bloomer
From the pintucked waist to the crocheted and ruffled hem, these just scream "adorable."
$198 at rugby.com

Quiksilver Girls Boardie Blooomer Shorts
Bright yellow silk combines with a button front and contrast waistband in this super-cute shortie silhouette.
$36.99 at swell.com

Pret-A-Surf Butterfly Bloomer
Is there anything prettier than a butterfly print? I think not.
$225 at elizabeth-charles.com

GIRL Angelika Bloomers in Cream
Open knit detailing and a blousy silhouette make this pair one to watch.
$192 at forwardforward.com

Free People Sateen Ruffle Bloomers
Layered ruffles and sleek sateen make this pair a little bit girly, a little bit sexy.
$68 at needsupply.com

Sephora Introduces Same-Day Beauty Delivery!

Live in NYC? Love shopping at Sephora? Hate actually lugging the stuff home? Well, you're in luck ... because Sephora has just announced Same-Day Beauty Delivery! Order the products online and you're guaranteed to have them delivered that very day via a chic, iconic Mini.

Why? Because your time is precious.

Click here to find out more.

Feeling All Tingly: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

If I could only get one facial for the rest of my life, it would be the Bliss Triple Oxygen Treatment. So when I found out that there's now a mask engineered to mimic that facial's effects -- namely, the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask -- I jumped at the chance to try it.

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My Experience with Laser Hair Removal at Completely Bare, Volume 4

While I'm a fan of the dark hair on my head, when it comes to my underarms, all bets are off. I despise having to shave every day, and I finally decided to do something about it ... I'm taking the plunge and trying laser hair removal at Completely Bare! Follow my journey over the next several months as I chronicle the progress!

Recently, I had my 4th laser hair removal session at Completely Bare. I went eight weeks in between sessions this time instead of the six I'd had in between the previous sessions. I will say I didn't notice much of a difference in the amount of hair growth from six to eight weeks.

Actually, if I'm being completely honest, I didn't really notice a decrease in hair growth between sessions three and four. I had to shave pretty frequently -- almost every day -- and the growth just didn't really seem to slow down. The strange part is that the growth seemed more frequent on the left side than on the right!

The session itself was super quick and (relatively) painless. Five minutes with Ildi and I was done!

My next session is in August. Check back for Volume 5 of my laser hair removal experience!

Disclosure: This session was provided free of charge by Completely Bare for potential review.

Yay or Nay: Feather Hair Extensions

How do you feel about feather hair extensions? I know they're all the rage right now, but I just really don't think I want a feather hanging from my head.

What do you think about feather hair extensions -- are they a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments?

Marvelously Minty: Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste

Want to give your mouth an amazing burst of freshness? Then let me introduce you to Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste!

If you can't tell, I have a bit of an obsession with fancy toothpastes. I just really like to treat my mouth to the finest when it comes to cleanliness! And Marvis definitely does not disappoint.

A touch of cold mint combines with a puff of sea freshness in this delightfully divine tube ... which loosely translates to a party of epic proportions in your mouth. Seriously, this is one of the best-tasting toothpastes I've yet to come across -- and it's just an added bonus that it leaves your mouth feeling super fresh and clean.

Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste retails for $6-$10 at drugstore.com.

Trend-Spotting: Caftan Maxi Dresses

Now that the dog days of summer are upon us, the last thing I want to think about is putting on a pair of pants. But at the same time, I want something new and different when it comes to the maxi dress. That's why I'm loving the latest trend out there -- the caftan maxi dress. Part caftan, part maxi dress, this 70's-inspired silhouette is easy, breezy and perfect for long summer days and nights. (The Thayer Jak Long Dress, $374 at shopbop.com, is just one example.) See my favorite takes on the trend after the jump.

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Mani of the Week: OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Sparrow Me the Drama and Mermaid's Tears

I decided to do something a little fun this week for my manicure. I wanted to test out the new(ish) colors from the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection -- especially the two that really called to me, Sparrow Me the Drama and Mermaid's Tears.

I love the rich, bright pink hue of Sparrow Me the Drama -- and combined with accent nails in the turquoise-teal-mint-green that is Mermaid's Tears, I think this mani is a total win! Fun, colorful and perfect for summer.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Patty Bell

From the Pittsburgh Steelers to the upcoming movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Pittsburgh-based makeup artist Patty Bell has a pretty hectic schedule. She's also one of the sweetest people you could hope to come across! Read on to discover her favorite blush, the makeup brush she thinks everyone needs in their makeup kit, and so much more.

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