A Wild and Exotic Manicure Reveal – Kiss Nail Dress Review

Hey Chicas – how’s you day going? Its a beautiful, sunny (albeit cold) day – but no complaints here! I love the sunshine, just puts you in a good mood and is a little reminder that Spring is coming!

I just recieved some products from Kiss Nails and I’m so excited to bring you this post and reveal my “Wild Manicure”!

Here you see three packages of Kiss Nail Dress, 3 packages of Impress Manicure, Kiss Everlash MD Eyelash Enhancing Serum and Brow Enhancing Serum.

I’ll be bringing you reviews of the Impress Manicure and Everlash MD Eyelash and Brown Enhancing Serums in upcoming posts! So stay tuned for that~! I’m excited to try both products, they look fabulous!

Now I’m not sure if you guys read my previous post on Wham Bam Instant Glam? In that post I talk about the different nail enamel strips and the pros and cons of each. Well as you saw, Kiss Nail Dress is my absolute fave! For several reasons, one being that it lasts the longest of all the nail strips I’ve tried, I find these don’t start “chipping” like some of the other brands do! And I’m definitely hard on my nails – playing with the kids (and their legos) , doing dishes and cleaning etc, all of which isn’t very manicure friendly! Also they come with 28 strips in each package which is a GREAT deal, the most strips per package of any set I’ve ever found. They’re easy to apply and easy to take off and you aren’t dealing with the regular nail polish smell! Definitely instant glam for us ladies~!

First thing I did was “prep” my nails. Filing them, taking care of the cuticles and buffing them.

Once they were adequately prepped, I applied a base coat. I use Nail Life Gripper from Sally Beauty Supply.

I applied the Zebra print to all of my nails except the ring fingers on both my hands, where I put one different strip from the other package. Makes for a fun and interesting manicure! I always love having either a different color or pattern on my ring fingers of both hands! If you want you can alternate regular polish with these strips, if the first time around you want a more subdued manicure. But I have to say I love “Wild” nails! When applying these, I’ll apply the strip to the nail bed and then cut off the excess; which I’ll apply to a nail on my other hand. So I only need 1 strip for 2 nails! Total strips used for this manicure is only 5!!! Not too shabby ! And don’t be afraid to trim the cuticle portion when applying it to your other hand, because it may be to wide, which is such an easy fix! Make sure to press down and smooth them out well, then file the ends off.

After you’ve applied all your strips, apply a top coat.

And it’s done, my wild and exotic manicure! Do you like it??? One thing that’s such a bonus, is when you are ready to remove them, they just peel off! Which I didn’t know the first time I went to take them off, and I was so shocked! Having them come off so easily – yet stay on your nails SO long and so well! Don’t know what kind of adhesive they use – but its amazing~! The smell of nail polish remover bothers a lot of people, so this is a great option for those of you who have that issue (like my mom )!

Big Kudos to Kiss Nails for creating these fabulous products for us ladies to stay looking glam so effortlessly and affordably~! I was at my son’s Football practice tonight and I got so many compliments and inquiries on my manicure – they are definitely a hit! I also wanted to mention, these packages come with wide enough strips that work perfectly for doing pedicures, so you can do either or both – a matching Mani/Pedi~! I’m excited to see what new designs they come out with next! I hope they expand their line to include some solid colors and of course more patterns! I love my patterns~!

Oh and before I forget, I want to remind you ladies Kiss is having a giveaway on their Facebook Fan Page – when you go to there, click the “Freebies” tab on the left hand side. Or, you can go there directly from my site, by clicking the “Kiss Giveaway” banner on the top right hand side of my website! That way you can enter for a chance to score some of these little beauties! Keep your eyes peeled, as I’ll be bringing you reviews of the Impress Manicure and the Brow and Eyelash Enhancing Serums – always my honest and objective opinions! Till next time Chicas – keep it wild, keep it exotic and always keep it glam~! xoxo

“Eye” Candy – The Sequel! What Eye Shadow Palettes Did I Choose?

Posted
February 23, 2012
Categories
Beauty
Eyes
Reviews

Its funny how sometimes you get stuck in a rut. Whether its in fashion, in life or also in makeup. And I think I was stuck in one of these ruts! I was doing the same basic kind of makeup day-in an day-out. You find a sort-of groove, and you’re happy with it, its simple, but it starts getting monotonous, you know?

For me I was sticking to a natural look that I was happy with. But after a couple months of this – I’ve definitely been getting bored with that look. I was doing black eyeliner over my top lid, mascara, blush and cherry red lipstick. Simple, natural, but I needed to change it up – and its funny how a little trip to the mall with a couple of gift cards in hand could change that! And now, even the colors I have in my stash, I see myself using in new and fun ways~!

We went to the mall on Sunday, the whole family for a fun little outing. My hubby took our boys to see a movie they’d been wanting to see, while I took to the mall and got to browse uninterrupted for a couple of hours of bliss~! Armed with gift cards in hand, an Iced Peppermint Mocha, I was ready for some great alone time coupled with retail therapy! Worked out well for everyone, since they wouldn’t have been happy being dragged into all of my “girly” stores.

I had one gift card to Nordstrom and one gift card for Sephora. So I knew I’d pick up a palette from each store, and while they’re were several contenders at Sephora, Nordstrom was more “slim pickings”. I first went to Sephora, where I walked the store from end to end with a friendly gentleman who was helping me find just what I was looking for. I told him I was interested in a “fun, springy” colored palette – not neutrals, but maybe some soft pinks and amethysts. I will say they sure had SO many to choose from – truly something for everyone’s tastes! But knowing that I have an extensive collection, and the majority of my shadows are neutrals and/or shimmery shadows; I wanted to step outside that, and go for a matte or even a satin finish.

I was torn between 3 palettes that I saw: The Too Faced Matte Palette, Kat Von D’s True Romance Palette in Saint, and a Sephora 5 Color Palette in Amethyst (don’t quote me on that…lol…can’t quite remember its name). So after much consideration, a lot of eyeshadow testing – I made the decision.

It had to be the Too Faced Matte Eye Shadow Palette. ( <–Link )

Not totally surprising. But I felt good about the decision, because it was one I’d been eye’ing for quite some time now. And if I didn’t get it, I would have probably would have wanted to go back for it! Plus it had some colors that I didn’t already have in my stash, so it was a win-win!

One gift card down, one more to go.

Off to Nordstrom I went. I was pretty sure I was going to buy the new Mac Palette “Call Me Bubbles” ; but again I went with an open mind and went to each makeup counter to mill over other brand’s selections. What I discovered really affirmed my love of Mac Cosmetics. At Nordstrom, you have the Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Shiseido, Lancome and Laura Mercier Makeup Counters, in addition to the Mac counter. At each counter I was honestly disappointed with the color selection (and suffering a little bit of sticker shock! 5 Color Palettes that averaged $50! Eeek!). The palettes felt very uninspiring, many shades I already had – really nothing new for me. So I felt quite good going back to the Mac Counter. But the “Call Me Bubbles” palette was a tad too much on the “orangey” side for my tastes; I was hoping for more pink shades.

So I had a dilemma – a first for me. Armed with gift card in hand, ready to pick up a palette – yet I didn’t want a single one! How could this be? So of course, I was thinking, I’ll just save my gift card for another day. Wait until the next collection comes in, and hope I’ll find something that will tickle my fancy.

UNTIL, the Mac makeup artist, after hearing the colors I was interested in, showed me the Mac Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Pretty and Prim and a single Eye shadow in Sketch. ( <—Link )

It was perfect! A true, soft, satiny pink with a pretty cranberry shade to compliment it. After “swatching” it on my hand – I knew that was exactly what I was looking for. And with a few dollars extra, she helped me pick out a single shade eyeshadow that would compliment the 2 colors in the mineralize duo. And it actually turned out to be a color I”d been meaning to get for quite some time now; But would always get side-tracked with other colors. I bought “Sketch”! The makeup artist at Mac also gave me some fun, new tips on how to use my new shadows; ways that were new to me! YAY! I love new tips and tricks!

I was extremely happy and very content knowing I’d strayed from my usual patterns of buying either neutral or shimmery colors. All the colors I purchased were either Matte or Satin finish and all were new shades! YAY! Definitely a successful shopping trip!

So, do you guys want to see the swatches? Well here they are:

Too Faced Matte Palette (From left to right: Tufted Suede, Chinchilla,Coffee Bean, Velveteen Bunny, Pebbles, London Fog, Fresh Linen, Vintage Violet, and Midnight)

From Bottom: Mac Sketch Eyeshadow, Mac Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in Pretty and Prim

So, what do you think? Do you guys think I made the right choices? I’ll be honest, it was hard not “allowing” myself to buy neutral colors! I found a couple palettes that were definitely “calling” my name! But I’m SO glad I stuck to my guns and came home with NEW colors! Mission accomplished! Now I just can’t wait to play with all my new colors, and now – I’m even looking forward to using my old colors in NEW ways!

Till next time Chicas, step outside your comfort zone, try new colors and get creative with your makeup~! That’s the FUN part of “making” ourselves up – the part where we get to be our own makeup artists~! xoxo

Nature’s Garden – A Company That CARES!

Posted
February 20, 2012
Categories
Beauty
Crafting
Creativity
Health
Skincare
Comments
7 Comments

In today’s day and age of Big Box retailers, chain stores, supermarkets, and drive-through just about everything – a company that actually cares is a very rare thing. But that really does describe this company, as well as the team behind Nature’s Garden!

Who is Nature’s Garden, Let’s Rewind to 1997….

Nature’s Garden is a Wholesale Candle and Soap Supply company, which was created in 1997 by Deborah and Mike Ward after turning their homemade candle making hobby into a business. Growing their business initially from home parties, retail and wholesale sales, Ebay, Fundraisers and Open Houses to a company in 1998 that had more than 40 independent sales representatives selling Nature’s Garden Candles and Bath Products. Then on May 21, 1999, after previously coming up against several “road-blocks” within the candle and toiletry supply industry (inadequate customer service and support, lack of unique products and a “secrecy” within the industry) while trying to expand their product line, Nature’s Garden Candle Supply Company was born. The company’s anagram C.A.R.E. (Customers Always Remember Excellence) was embraced by its employees and Nature’s Garden set out to “de-mystify” the industry. Improving customer service voids within the industry, while also creating unique fragrance oils, materials and support, manuals and classes for businesses in this industry.

Now Fast-Forward to 8 Months Ago….

I started buying homemade bath and body products from a dear friend. With my allergies, and the fact that I’m extremely picky, I was getting frustrated with my local bath and body chain retailers carrying products that did nothing for my skin, while often giving me headaches from the smell. Well, needless to say I instantly fell in love with the homemade body products! These products felt amazing and luxurious on my skin, while not only smelling fabulous~! The other huge draw for me was the fact that they were more natural, containing less chemicals and additives that you find in the mass produced products! I was instantly hooked and very intrigued! So I began trying other products from small bath and body businesses, as well as “Liking” them on Facebook, and several seemed to have one thing in common – Nature’s Garden!

The beauty junkie in me was instantly fascinated. So I began doing more research – surfing soaping websites, as well as Nature’s Garden Website and their Facebook page. What I discovered was a company that was extremely interactive with their customers. Not only that, but after spending a lot of time on their Facebook page and Twitter, seeing HOW they interacted with their customers! Always answering each and every question with great care and compassion – which is a great feat considering their large customer base! Since beginning my blogging journey, I’ve made a point to spend time on other big business Facebook/Twitter pages, and that’s how I’ve seen other businesses very rarely, if at all, acknowledging customer concerns or questions. We, consumers, often feel like our input falls on “deaf ears”. Or at the very least, “ears” without enough influence or knowledge to help out.

Interacting with Nature’s Garden and with their customers honestly felt like interacting with friends!

<-Deborah armed with Nerf! <-Nicole and Melissa

All the friendly, kind words and support of each and everyone’s unique businesses, coupled with the resounding praise their customers give Nature’s Garden with respect to their products and their customer service and support. Customers quite often are interacting directly with Deborah Ward (Nature’s Garden CEO) on their Facebook page!! Interacting directly with a company CEO on Facebook, I would safely say is a rare occurance for most companies – but not Nature’s Garden! And I’ve also had the pleasure of dealing directly with Deborah, and through this I see the driving force behind this company that actually does CARE! Its not just a motto, a mantra or an anagram. Its a passion for Deborah and the Nature’s Garden team. And we, the consumers, greatly benefit from this.

Without Further Adieu, Let Me Introduce You to Deborah Ward!

I had the pleasure of doing an interview with Deborah, and I’m SO excited to share it all with you~!

Glam Wife: I read on your website that you started off in the Candle Making business. How did you get into that business?

Deborah: While I was an environmentalist at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, I began studying naturopathic healing. Several of my clients wanted aromatherapy candles, so I began making candles in my spare time. When my first son, Matthew, was born, we found out that his skull bones were fused together, and that he would require surgery. I quit my job at the county health department to stay home with my son. In order to cover some of our bills, I started selling candles to friends and family.

Glam Wife: How did Natures Garden Candle and Soap Supplies come to be?

Deborah: When I started making candles, the industry was very secretive. Those who knew how to make candles kept the knowledge to themselves. It was candle making that helped our family keep our heads above water during financially hard times, and I knew that there were more men and women out there who needed a way of making extra income and be able to stay at home. My ambition was to help people make extra income for their families by telling them everything I knew about the candle market.

Glam Wife: How did you choose the name for your business?

Deborah: I chose the name Natures Garden because of my interest in naturopathic healing. I was into natural medicine way before it was popular. I wanted a name that would allow for future diversification in other markets. Natures Garden allows for that.

Glam Wife: As CEO of Natures Garden, describe a typical work week.

Deborah: Natures Garden is a turn-key operation. Every job at our company is well-documented, and each person has his/her own job responsibilities. This form of operation, and the fact that I am married to the most wonderful man on earth, has allowed me to work from home; while my husband runs operations at the company. We did this so that our sons would not have to have a baby sitter. I work 7 days a week, rarely taking a vacation. I simply love what I do…period! I work while my sons are at school, and work while they are asleep. My main focus is on the customers; listening to what they have to say, and answering any questions they may have. I facebook, twitter, blog, do website development, product research/development, and hold meetings with vendors.

Glam Wife: What two or three things would be most important to you in your job?

Deborah: Every job at Natures Garden is equally important for our operation to run smoothly. I guess my job is like the “mom” in the company; the role of keeping the family happy. Many customers and employees rely on me to make the right decisions so that Natures Garden is around for many years to come. I want people to feel confident that when they buy from Natures Garden, they are buying quality. We are always looking for new ways to better service our customers.

Glam Wife: What’s your favorite part of business as a whole?

Deborah: Communicating with customers. I love listening to their ideas, seeing what they create, and helping them when I can.

Glam Wife: What would be the most challenging part of the job/business?

Deborah: Business is the easiest job in the world. You simply have to follow these two rules and it will work out: 1. Focus on other people instead of yourself, and 2. Never get greedy. If you follow these two rules, you are going to build lasting, happy relationships with other people. What could be more exciting than that!

Glam Wife: What’s your favorite product (or 2 or 3) from Natures Garden?

Deborah: I absolutely love the work our perfumist does! He is one amazing man!! I never get tired of smelling new scents!! It is my passion!!

Glam Wife: Where do you see your business in the next 5-10 years?

Deborah: Currently, our creativity is exploding! We look forward to expanding in multiple markets, becoming a premiere, handcrafting community. Surprises will be around every corner!

Glam Wife: What do you do in your spare time? (Assuming you have any~! haha)

Deborah: My sons are quite involved in sports and music, so my spare time is typically spent watching baseball games, band concerts, or attending football games. I also enjoy quiet time with my husband.

Glam Wife: What’s your favorite fragrance that Natures Garden carries?

Deborah: Right now my favorite fragrance is Honey Bunny. It just makes me happy smelling it!

Glam Wife: As a successful entrepreneur, what advice would you give to someone trying to start up their own business?

Deborah: The world is filled with negative people who will try to talk you out of going after your dreams. Fear it and do it anyways! Listen to your heart, follow your gut, and shoot for the stars!

I want to say a BIG thank you to you, Deborah, and your team at Nature’s Garden! Its been an absolute pleasure getting to know you, your team and your company! And for those of you, my beautiful blog readers, who think Nature’s Garden is JUST for businesses…Think again~! Nature’s Garden has a whole section on their website dedicated to different recipes for homemade body products and candles. So if you’ve ever wondered, wanted or been interested in crafting your own homemade body products or candles – go on over to the Nature’s Garden website; check out some recipes and pick up the amazing products and have FUN~! Knowing that if you hit a stumbling block, have a question, or concern – they are always more than willing to help and guide you!

I’m excited to announce Deborah is going to be putting me to work. making some of her body products with Nature’s Garden recipes and products. So if this is something you are interested in but aren’t sure of, stay tuned to upcoming posts where I’ll feature the whole process! So you, Ladies and Gents, can take the journey with me and see first hand, just how to make body products! I do want to point out though, that I’m a beginner and have never made any before; but I have to say I’m extremely excited to try my hand at making some~! And I hope you will join me for the ride!

Nature’s Garden Contact Info:
Website: http://www.naturesgardencandles.com/
Facebook: #/naturesgardencompany#ts
Twitter: @ngscents
Email: info@naturesgardencandles.com

Till next time friends, follow your passions, and shoot for the stars~! If you can dream it, you can do it! xoxo

Behold, Some “Eye” Candy for You!

Posted
February 19, 2012
Categories
Beauty
Eyes

Hola Senoritas~! How goes your day? Its been a very busy one for me – but thankfully I got everything accomplished on my “to-do” list! I love it when I have those days, where everything I set out to do, gets done! Its a rarity – so when it actually happens, its a victory in my books!

Eeeek, I’m SO excited! Tomorrow I’m going shopping for some new, fun eyeshadow palettes at Sephora. I have a couple of gift cards to use – and I’m WAY overdue for some new palettes~! I know, going to the mall DOES excite me. What can I say? I don’t live near a mall, and with all the distractions of family life, getting to the mall happens maybe once a month (on a good month haha) Although with blogging now, think I’m going to have make regular treks to the mall, just for you, my beautiful blog readers~! Right??? … Oh yes, I will make that sacrifice for you ladies~!

Although I am definitely partial to a couple of palettes from Too Faced, I intend to take full advantage of the “shopping” experience and try out a BUNCH~! That’s the fun part when shopping at the beauty section in the department stores – being able to “play” with all the newest beauty products! And its really nice when you’re able to see how certain colors look on you and also feel the different textures and finishes that they all have~!

When I’m at Mac, Bobbi Brown, Sephora etc, I always engage the makeup artists to see what their recommendations for me are. They each have their own style, and I love to see what colors they’d use on me and what techniques as well. This is a great way to pick up “free” tips and “tricks of the trade” from the Pro’s! Don’t be bashful – always ask questions, they are more than willing to help. And from my experience, they quite enjoy it too~! Doing this each time you have a moment to spare at the mall, will increase your skill and have people asking YOU for tips!!!

So these are the two palettes that have grabbed my attention right now….Too Faced Matte Palette on the left, and Too Faced Natural at Night Palette on the right.

AND here are some more palettes that have grabbed my attention….

1. 2. 3.

1. Stila in the Light Natural Eyeshadow Palette
2. Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette
3. Pop Beauty Lid Lesson in Lid Amethyst

4. 5. 6.

4. Nars Spring Color Collection Trio
5. Mac Call Me Bubbles
6. Lorac UnZipped Palette

7. 8. 9.

7. Lorac Ooh La Lace Baked Shimmer and Matte Palette
8. Laura Mercier Book of Nudes
9. Kat Von D True Romance Palette in Saint

10. 11. 12.

10. Bobbi Brown Party Eye Palette
11. Anastasia All Eye Want Palette
12. Dior 5 Color Palette

The ones I’m definitely leaning towards (aside from the Too Faced ones of course) are definitely the Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette, Mac Call Me Bubbles, and Lorac Ooh La Lace Baked Palette. Although all of the above palettes look amazing, I want to be more discriminating since I have quite an extensive (read very LARGE) collection of shadows/palettes already. So I am going to try to steer clear of colors I already have, say from other brands and go for new and more “Springy” colors~! I’m definitely feeling like going for more soft, romantic pretty colors; as opposed to the darker, richer winter colors.

I always seem to gravitate towards the neutral/natural eyeshadow palettes, so as you can imagine my inventory is very large in that department! I’m kind of feeling like I want some softer pinks or amethysts this time! Oh and if you Chicas have any of the above palettes, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on them! Do you like them? Do you use them often, etc?

Naturally I’ll test out these amazing little beauties at the store, ask the makeup artists for their help, advice and wisdom – and hopefully come home with a fresh, new and fun palette~! I always feel successful if I’ve stepped outside of my proverbial “box” and chosen NEW colors. So that’s the goal. And if you, my beauties, have any advice – its MORE than welcome~! So tune in next time – when I reveal the palettes I did buy, and I’ll show ya some swatches! Till next time Ladies – keep it fresh and always keep it NEW~! xoxo

The Grammy’s Top 10 Hits and Misses

Posted
February 13, 2012
Categories
Beauty
Fashion
Reviews

So how many watched the Grammy’s last night? There sure were some great performances, beautiful dresses, and makeup ~ but by the same token there were also some major fashion and beauty catastophes! Such is the nature of the awards shows, it seems celebrities are often willing to sacrifice good judgment in order to set themselves apart! Maybe that saying “No press is ever bad press” is the mantra they subscribe too? Well, I would definitely disagree! I understand their need to stand out and also to entertain; but I still do believe in keeping your sense of decorum. Well, that’s just me – and at the very least, these “wild and crazy” fashion statements definitely give us something to talk about! Right? So NOW onto a little recap of the highlights – in both “Hits” and “Misses”.

TOP 5 HITS

Adele

She was my number 1 pick for both fashion and beauty! Her dresses were so elegant, classy and really highlighted her figure perfectly~! (Adele wore a black sequined Giorgio Armani gown and a 12.4 carat diamond ring by Harry Winston.) And as you can see her understated “Retro Glam” makeup was absolutely gorgeous!!! Simple bold black eyeliner, complimented by cherry red lips – perfection!!! And if to seal the deal – her performance was beautiful, captivating and she won 6 Grammys – it was definitely a great night for her~! Adele, we <3 you!!!

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood was definitely a top choice for both beauty and style~! Her Red Carpet look was a backless Gomez-Gracia long-sleeve gown that she accessorized with diamond dangly earrings. She rocked some gorgeous, long lashes to compliment her smokey and very SPARKLY eyes and nude lips! She did a duet with Tony Bennett singing “It had to be you” and was a beautiful song! Carrie you are definitely a classy lady and we loved that you looked very “Rocker Chic”!

Kate Beckinsale

Kate looked like a Greek Goddess! I loved her updo, her natural, glowing makeup and her luminousity~! What a beautiful dress, an ivory draped Zuhair Murad dress cinched at the shoulder with a black bow and Salvatore Ferragamo pumps paired with her understated accessories – was an absolute “Win Win” But let’s face it – she could rock just about anything, and look goregous, right? Still though, as you’ll see in the “Misses” category below, being beautiful doesn’t make up for bad hair/makeup/wardrobe choices!!! (Ahem Fergie) Kate you looked absolutely GLOWING!!!

Miranda Lambert

Miranda was absolutely glowing in a cap sleeve sparkly Atelier Pavoni gown and Stuart Weitzman shoes. Her makeup was simple, understated, yet just highlighted her beautiful and radiant skin! And her hair was flowy and effortless! Miranda you definitely get an A+ !!!

Kelly Rowland

Kelly stunned in this creamy Alberta Ferretti design with silver applique on the bodice, accessorizing with jewels by Lorraine Schwartz. What a beautiful dress that showcased her figure perfectly! And she rocked some beautiful smokey eyes and more nude lips – SO stunning~! Kelly you’re looking as beautiful and GLAM as ever~!

Top 5 Misses

Lady Gaga

Ay ya yay! Well there are a couple good things to say here. First off, underneath that wierd netting over her face, she reveals what looks to be a beautifully done “retro glam” makeup look! And the second good thing I have to say is that I adore her courage, that she will wear whatever she desires. However, unfortunately what she usually wants to wear is usually a fashion catastrophe~! Here she’s wearing a revealing custom Versace sheer gown and tough metallic bustier, in addition to some crazy accessories! One fan on twitter likened her to “Jafar from Aladdin” and I wouldn’t disagree. Lady Gaga, will we ever see you in a “normal” outfit?

Fergie

Well well well, you know when you are spending thousands of dollars on dresses – you’d think one would expect more fabric? Or maybe that’s just me??? Well this to me looked like a glorified bathing suit cover-up!!! Fergie was quoted as saying “I had two choices and this was the safe one,”about her Jean Paul Gautier tangerine couture lace dress (um SCARY). Her makeup was okay – neither a hit, nor a miss. But I have a hard time focusing on anything else but this (lack of a) dress. Which I’m sure was her intention with the outfit choice – nothing says “Look at Me” better than a neon orange lace dress with black underwear! So, then I guess mission accomplished, right Fergie?

Nicki Minaj

At first sight, I thought “Oh look – it’s Little Red Riding Hood.”. Oh Em Gee!!!! What was she thinking??? Here you see Nicki Minaj arriving with a bishop in tow (almost like an accessory), coordinating his white priest’s costume with her red Versace cape with intricate black beading. Her makeup was ok – nothing amazing. And her performance was beyond wierd, didn’t like the song or the performance as a whole. All in all, I was vastly disappointed. Which is really too bad, because I was SO looking forward to her performace, seeing as how I do love several of her songs! But alas, although you are beautiful Nicki, I can’t get behind this performance, OR outfit~!

Katy Perry

So I’ll just start off here on a good note. I thought her makeup was cute – the bold eyeliner and pink lips were adorable! But I have to say, I’m not feeling the blue hair, nor the updo and also not feeling the dress. The dress, by the way, was a powder blue Elie Saab Couture gown which she wore with Norman Silverman diamonds. And to be honest – I’m kind of on the fence with the dress – I think I’m thrown off by ALL the blue! If she’d had her beautiful black hair, I think the dress could have worked. But with the hair – we’ve got TOO much going on here, you’re eyes just don’t know WHERE to go!!! Having said that, I did enjoy her fun and spirited performance! Sorry Katy, but its just TOO much blue for me~!

Taraji P Hensen

I don’t have too much negative to say about Taraji. She’s a beauty for sure – and her makeup was soft and glowy! So that’s a definite win in my books. But where she went wrong was with this dress – which didn’t make sense to me. The flow of the dress almost felt too matronly for the plunging neckline and wild print. Kind of like wearing an oxymoron. So sad – since she’s a gorgeous gal, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say either she didn’t have enough help in the stylist department or maybe had TOO much help in that department. Can’t say I know who’s at fault for this dress, but in any case – I still think your a gorgeous lady Taraji~! Better luck next time!

OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS

~Although I enjoyed Rihanna‘s performance, I thought her dress could have used a bit more fabric. Even though she fit into it perfectly, I just don’t subscribe to the “Less is More” mantra when it comes to this dress and the amount of fabric.
~Giulana Rancic looked amazing – her makeup very “J-Lo” esque and beautiful!!!
~Taylor Swift also looked super cute and elegant in her gown.
~Jennifer Hudson stunned in her black, form fitting dress while performing a touching tribute to the late Whitney.
~I ADORED Bruno Mars’ performance – very retro and very cool!
~And I wasn’t feeling the hairdo that Miss Alicia Keys was sporting, but either way she’s gorgeous!

So there you have it my beauties – a little summary of the Grammys! It was definitely entertaining and fun to see all the performances, winners and seeing the celebs getting all decked out in their “finest”. (Well *most* of them) Till next time peeps, remember just because you CAN wear something doesn’t mean you should! Keep it glam and always keep it CLASSY~!

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