BEAUTY ARSENAL | Vivaciously Violet + GIVEAWAY!!!

Three Custom Color Specialists-Vivacious Violet

Since receiving Three Custom Color Specialists' new Vivacious Violet lip gloss, I get tons of compliments and inquiries every time I wear it. It has quickly become one of my go-to lip colors and I'm not usually a gloss type of girl. But the easy-to-wear, high-shine vibrant shade has a delicate pink sparkle that's perfect for wearing solo or layered over my favorite pink lipstick. I usually opt to wear it alone and I love it! It's a great lip color spring.
Vivacious Violet
Now here comes the best part of me telling you about this awesome tube of violet lip gloss. Three Custom Color Specialist will giveaway three, yes THREE, lucky winners a chance at being Vivacious in Violet. Exciting right?

Here's how to enter to win a tube of Vivacious Violet lip gloss:

1. You must be following me on Twitter (Twitter.com/TheFabChick) &
2. You must be following Three Custom Color Specialists on Twitter (Twitter.com/ThreeCustom) &
3. Leave a comment here with a few words explaining what makes you feel vivacious.

You must do all three. Simple right? Now Enter! Three winners will be chosen Friday, March 9, 2012.

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ON MY RADAR | Metallic Elements

Adding metallic elements to a wardrobe full of basics is a cool way to add the Midas touch to your everyday look. It's a great way to complement boring neutrals. Am I the only one loving metallic elements right now?

Metallic Elements

1. Cambridge Satchel Company - asos.com
2. Topshop - topshop.com
3. Zara - zara.com
4. Splendid - net-a-porter.com
5. Madewell - madewell.com
6. J.Crew - jcrew.com
7. Topshop - topshop.com
8. MARC by Marc Jacobs - my-wardrobe.com
9. J.Crew - jcrew.com
10. KARL - net-a-porter.com
11. Giambattista Valli - mytheresa.com
12. H&M - hm.com

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CHECK IT OUT | Uptown Magazine -
The Chic Guide: Black Pumps That Don’t Play It Safe

Uptown Magazine-The Chic Guide
This week's Chic Guide over on Uptown Magazine is all black pumps. Head over there now to see options that are no where near boring. Check it out the complete post here.

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NEWNESS | Baby-G Launches 3D Dial Watch

Baby-G Three Dimensional Dail Watch
Need a new & fun watch?

The latest to launch from the Baby-G Shock line might be right up your style alley. The "pop-art inspired" three-dimensional watch is not only a classic in style, but it's perfect for incorporating a sporty element to your look. Playful and edgy, this watch is shock and water resistant, has world time in 29 time zones/27 cites, five daily alarms, full-auto calender, timer, and it also falls right in line with spring's fluorescent trend with a neon illuminated face--my favorite part.
Baby-G Three Dimensional Dail WatchBaby-G Three Dimensional Dail Watch
Retailing for $99, it will be available in Black & White this March at Tourneau, select Macy's and fashion boutiques.

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MAKE-UP BAG | Easy to Wear - Blue Eyeliner

I have been obsessed with rimming my eyes with Maybelline's MasterDrama by Eyestudio in sapphire. For me it's a simple and fun way to add color to my look. But for others, maybe not so easy. With that said, new contributor to The Fab Chick, Iv Valentine has a few tips on how to wear one of my current favorite make-up must-haves--blue eyeliner.

How to wear: Blue Eyeliner

I’m not a believer in the “do’s” and “don'ts” so when it comes to trying new colors my first question is why? I like to know the person's intention for trying the new color--whether it's to create a fun look for night or just for a pop of color during the day. Once the intent is established, then we can figure out what works best for the person's lifestyle.

Intention is everything.

Blue is a great color and has been very popular in all its varying shades for the last few seasons. It is also an effective color to add a bit of edginess to a look. It can also be used as a makeup trick to brighten the whites of the eyes to make you look more vibrant.

The best way to pull off blue eyeliner for day is to keep it simple. Try coloring the lids in neutral or skin tone shades that allow the blue liner to add a “wow” factor or a quick pop of color. This can be achieved by applying the liner to the upper lash line or even along the water line of the lower lid for a more a subtle contrast. Whatever the formula of choice; pencil, cream or gel, just have fun with it!

Happy face painting.

Love,
IV

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TRY THIS | Master Cleansing My Closet : Refresh, Reorganize & De-clutter


De-clutter closet
I remember reading an article from The Wall Street Journal called, “The
Master Cleanse: If you lost your entire wardrobe, how would you rebuild it?
" and I immediately began to think of my very own wardrobe. Just like the author Annette Tapert, lately I’ve been having feelings of wanting to rid myself of everything in my closet— the items newly bought still with tags attached (ok maybe not all the new stuff), the super comfortable pieces I find myself wearing constantly and the things I’ve loved for years. I'm ready to hang an "everything must go" sign on my closet door and call a U-HAUL. Is this some sort of after quarter-life identity crisis?

With so many new factors in my life, I think now is a great time to make a few lifestyle changes, starting with my closet and wardrobe. As I prepare to master cleanse my closet, here are a few things I'm hoping will help me get through the emotional break-up with my existing closet, at least 50% off it.

1. Review personal style. What I liked then is not what I like now. What I would wear years ago is not what I’d wear today. And how I’d describe my personal style isn’t how I’d describe it currently. So as I review what my likes and dislikes are I’ll be able to chuck a few things. If it doesn’t embody the woman I am today, it needs to go.

2. Give it up & just let go. I realize that I've accumulated so much stuff in my closet because I'm emotionally tied to them, afraid to let go. And somehow I’m able to make anything I once loved work for me now. i.e. A pair of Nike Jordan’s that I've had since middle school are still in closet taking up space and collecting dust--they need to go.

3. Stop Shopping. Ok, maybe not completely stop but I need to cut back extremely. And although I have actually scaled down a bit in the last few years, a need to shop even less is necessary for me to achieve the lifestyle I ultimately want. The instant pleasure and gratification of that “something new” is no longer as satisfying as it once was.

4. Donate & Give back. I can help those less fortunate than myself by donating gently worn and used clothing to those in need. This is always a quick way to gauge just how much “stuff” I don’t need. I’m bound to see my closet dwindle down significantly. And it always feels good for me to give back anyway.

5. Get help. I've chosen to enlist a friend to help me with my closet/shopping detox. It so happens that this friend shares the same desire to cleanse and do away with much of their closet, as well as cut down on the shopping. We've made a pact to contact each other whenever we feel the need to buy something. We'll have to truly justify our frivolous clothing/shoe/accessory purchases before we can actually buy anything—so much for those late night online shopping binges.

6. Consign and/or Sell stuff. When faced with the items I've loved for years and can't let go of, sometimes it makes me feel more at ease to sell them knowing that they’re going to a home where someone truly wants and can appreciate them. For example, a few friends and I have set up an online thrift shop to sell a few of our fetching rejects at really low prices. Check it out: www.fetchingrejects.com. (Tons of new stuff to be added soon!)

It will still be hard to completely let go of everything. Lord knows I’m not rolling in the dough to start my wardrobe over from scratch. But I look forward to a new sense of self by strategically creating a wardrobe that will best define my personal style as it is today. And the uncluttered feeling I'll experience, well, that will be the icing on the cake.

Does your current wardrobe reflect the person you are today? Are you in need of a closet and wardrobe cleanse?

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THE WINNER IS!! | Peppermint Chic Online Jewelry Boutique GIVEAWAY!!

The winner of $50 of Peppermint Chic jewelry giveaway has been chosen at random! And that person is.............................................

*drum roll*
*drum roll*
*drum roll*
*drum roll*


Eboni!!

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ON MY RADAR | Soft & Creamy Pastels

Leave it to Mr. West to once again have my radar up with this minty sweater creation by Acne. Ok, maybe it's not completely because of of him, but I can't help but to crave a little sorbet color action. Although I am a lover of extremely bright colors--coveting everything and all that is fluorescent right now--I predict soft and creamy pastels making a few rounds in my wardrobe for spring. And since I'm hurrying spring along, maybe I'll embrace a little creamsicle action now. Here are 12 pastel colored items I'm loving.
1. J.Crew - jcrew.com
2. Topshop - topshop.com
3. Mango - mango.com
4. ASOS Collection - asos.com
5. Dorothy Perkins - us.dorothyperkins.com
6. Miss Selfridge - missselfridge.com
7. Pollini - saks.com
8. SPROUT - nordstrom.com
9. J.Crew - jcrew.com
10. See By Chloe - solestruck.com
11. BCBG - bcbg.com
12. Topshop - topshop.com

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CHECK IT OUT | Uptown Magazine -
Weekend Fab

Photobucket
Being off-duty, especially on the weekends doesn't mean your appearance should take a backseat. Head over to Uptown Magazine to check out a few items that I've deemed weekend fab-approved. See complete post here.

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FALL 2012 | New York Fashion Week - My Picks

When it comes to viewing all the fall collections and deciding which looks I love best, there are three elements that usually catch my attention and draw me: texture, color, and strategically placed layers. Falling under those three categories, here are 12 looks out of many I love from New York Fashion Week 2012.

New YorkFashion Week 2012 Looks
Texture: 1. DKNY 2. Alexander Wang 3. Jason Wu 4. Nanette Lepore
Color: 5. Betsey Johnson 6. Diane von Furstenberg 7. Charlotte Ronson 8. Tracy Reese
Layers: 9. Rag & Bone 10. Elie Tahari 11. Elizabeth & James 12. Rebecca Taylor

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GIVEAWAY!! | Peppermint Chic Online Jewelry Boutique

Peppermint Chic Online Jewelry Boutique
Some days a little something sparkly and shiny is all I need to help me get into a better mood—at least for a brief moment. So I figured I’d give one of you lucky readers a chance at having a similar moment. Peppermint Chic Online Jewelry Boutique has agreed to give one of you Fab Chick readers $50 to get a little something sparkly and shiny for yourself. With super low prices, you’ll have no problems snagging a few chic and fab pieces.

Head over and check out the selection now as Spring pieces have arrived on the site!

Here's how to enter:

Follow PeppermintChic on Twitter (@peppermintchic) or like Peppermint Chic on Facebook (www.facebook.com/peppermintchic)
And
Follow me on Twitter (@TheFabChick) or like The Fab Chick on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thefabchick) and leave a comment here.

-or-

If you’re not on either Twitter or Facebook you still have a chance to enter and win. Simply head over to the Peppermint Chic online boutique and pick out your favorite item. Then tell me in the comment section in this post how you plan to wear that item--casually everyday, dressed up, for date night, to work, etc.

Here's a glimpse of two items I scored from Peppermint Chic that I love.
Peppermint Chic
wearing Disco Hoops & the Golden Nugget necklace

PS: A winner will be selected at random and announced next week Friday. Good Luck! US residents only!

Now enter!!
www.peppermintchic.com

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TIDBITS | Just a rainy Thursday...

...with a little denim and neon mix. Oh and a cool lightening bolt zipper pull courtesy of a Betsey Johnson creation.

Tidbits on TheFabChick

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CHECK IT OUT | Uptown Magazine -
The Chic Guide: Embrace Neons Now

Uptown Magazine - Embrace Neons Now
Head over to Uptown Magazine to check out a few easy ways you can add neon colors to your wardrobe now rather than wait for spring to officially get here. Check here for the full rundown.

uptownmagazine.com

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EDITOR'S LETTER | A Note From Misha
A Legend Falls - Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston
Although I know it's real and has been confirmed, I'm still waiting for reports to say that Whitney Houston's passing is false--some sort of sick, cruel prank someone has decided to play on us all. But somehow, I think I'll be waiting forever. She's gone.

My earliest memories of Whitney Houston was seeing a vinyl album laying around with a beautiful woman on the jacket cover with a very low haircut. I remember thinking, she's so pretty and she doesn't even have any hair. My father would blast the self title album and I would sing--actually scream "Saving All My Love" at the top of my lungs. Till this day, that is still is my favorite Whitney Houston album.

I remember graduating from 5th grade and singing"Greatest Love of All" during our commencement ceremony for our parents. I remember dancing to "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" in a red tank top stretched out to mimic the lavender bodycon dress she wore in her video. I remember watching the movie Bodyguard over and over and over on the weekends with my cousin, as we belted out, "I Will Always Love You". So many different memories of when Whitney Houston's voice and music influenced me. Sigh.

Rather than discuss or highlight her tumultuous battle with substance abuse, I will focus my thoughts about Whitney on the positive factors that have made her a legend and an icon. Those demons can never take away the great strides she has made musically.

Let us always remember how precious life really is before it's gone.

XOXOXO
Misha

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MISHA FILES | My Weekend in Instagram

My Weekend In Instagram

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TRY THIS | Valentine's Day Theme Cocktails

Valentine Themed Cocktails
Celebrate Valentine's Day with themed cocktails perfect for a low-key evening at home--which is what I'm planning to do. With that being said, mixologist LaToya Allen is back to give us a few Valentine's Day inspired drinks to mix and shake things up at home for a good time!

The Gentleman
Ingredients:
1 oz Cognac
.75 oz St Germain
1 brown sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Top with Brut Rose Champagne


Place the brown sugar cube at the bottom of a champagne flute. Cover with two dashes Angostura Bitters. Add cognac, St Germain and top with champagne.

The layers of flavors in this cocktail are really interesting; the sweetness from the St Germain and the brown sugar cube play well against the bitters and cognac. I also love the idea of taking something that is typically thought to be feminine, such as a champagne cocktail, and making it masculine by adding the cognac and bitters.

The Lovebird
Ingredients:
.5 oz Hum Liqueur
.5 oz Creme de Violette Liqueur
Prosecco to fill
Strawberry slice


Fill rocks glass with ice. Add Hum and Creme de Violette. Add Prosecco to fill, garnish with strawberry slice. Hum provides the cocktail with floral notes, warmth and spice; Creme de Violette brings vanilla into the mix. This is a very bold cocktail.

The Rose Bud
Ingredients:
1.15 oz Your Favorite Silver Tequila
.5 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
1 piece orange peel
Dash of Aperol
Dash of Rose Water


Chill a cocktail glass. Swirl the rose water in the chilled cocktail glass and discard. Combine tequila and vermouth over ice in shaker. Do not shake; stir. Strain into cocktail glass. Flame the orange peel over the surface of the drink and float on top. Add two dashes of Aperol to the top.

This drink is strong as tequila is its base, but it has really interesting notes of floral, sweetness and bitter making it the most complex of the three.

As always please drink and serve responsibly. For more fab cocktail ideas visit LaToya over on fashionandcocktails.tumblr.com and follow her on twitter: @Fashn_Cocktails.

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MY BEAUTY STASH | Getting Flashy with Covergirl Blast Flipstick

The Fab Chick CoverGirl Blast Flipstick-Flashy
Since picking up the latest addition to my beauty stash--CoverGirl Blast Flipstick lip duo in Flashy--I've been a little short of obsessed with this product. Obviously it was a no-brainer purchase for me since I have a love for fuchsia and purple lipsticks, but the fact that I was getting two complimentary lip colors in one for $8 was the seal on the deal. I love 2-for-1 deals that make sense.

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