Here's To a Happy New Year - 2015!

Normally, I try to avoid doing this when a new year rolls around but I figured this year would be the one and only exception.

For the past few years, I've been going through this transition with myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially (have I used every -ly word that I can to describe this change?). What I'm trying to say is that it took me a long time to find myself and basically what really made me happy as a person. Just me. Not anybody else. Not my boyfriend, not my parents, not my family, not my friends, not my boss. Just me.

While I'm sure I haven't fully figured that out 100% yet and I'm still trying to find a balance for myself in the real world, I am excited about the progress that I've made so far and everything that I have planned for myself, my career and for you all!

So with that said, here's looking at 2015!

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Here's to a Happy 2015!

I hope you all have a fabulous time tonight whether you're going out partying or cuddling up at home! Let me know what you're wearing tonight! You know for me, it's all about bringing in the new year with a fresh face and some fabulous shoes from Shoedazzle!

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Complete The Look! Splurge vs Save!

Happy Monday Loves!

As I spend time winding down and preparing for the end of 2014, I can't help but think about some of the things that I want to leave in 2014 and all of the joy that I want to bring with me into the New Year.

For one, I know I'm going to start economizing my wardrobe. Now hear me out. All too often we, yes, we fashionistas, get too caught up in name brands and labels that we end up breaking our budget on clothes, makeup and accessories. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for all things Christian Louboutin and every once in a while a girl has got to spoil herself but where do we learn to draw the line.

Sometimes I wonder why we get so caught up in labels? Is it the luxury of the item? Does spending $2,000 on a clutch really make an outfit look better than it does with a $40 clutch?

So because of this I'm coming to you guys and I want to know how would you complete this look. Would you splurge or would you save?

(Splurge) On the right side we have a pair of Jimmy Choo Anouk Leather Pumps, a Jimmy Choo Ava Leather and Snakeskin clutch and Jimmy Choo bangels. In order to complete this classic pencil skirt look with these 3 accessories, you would have to spend up to $2,000.

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(Save) On the left we have a pair of Steven by Steve Madden Newbee Purple Pumps, a Steve Madden Zaharra Clutch and a Steve Madden two tone bangle set. In order to complete this classic pencil skirt look with these 3 accessories, you would have to spend up to $200.

The same outfit. Two different price points. How would you complete the look?

Let me know below!

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Deck The Halls in GX by Gwen Stefani!

There are very few things that a shoe obsessed girl like myself really wants to see under the tree come next week. I can only dream that good ol' Saint Nick will leave me 30 pairs of new shoes wrapped in a majestic red bow. Hey, a girl can dream right?

While I am off in la-la-land, I still have to plan what I'm going to wear for the rest of the holiday sawrey's coming up.

I ran across this pair of pumps called Ryoko and the Kurume clutch both from the GX by Gwen Stefani line exclusively at Shoedazzle.

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The shoes are to die for. I really did not think that I would love them as much as I do but they are perfect to #DeckTheHalls in for a holiday party. I'll post outfit of the day pictures of me wearing these in a few days.

I'm still debating on the clutch though. I do love the different textures and the color-blocking which really makes it stand out. However, it is very slim and I have no idea what I'm going to fit in there.

What are you thinking about wearing to #DeckTheHalls?

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New - Too Faced Sweet Semi Chocolate Bar Palette

When a Chocolate Bar meets a Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar....

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Too Faced Cosmetics recently released a new Chocolate Bar Palette - the Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar. Now normally I'm able to resist the urge to buy yet another eyeshadow palette that will most likely collect dust on my vanity, however, this right here had me going crazy from the minute that the press release was announced.

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The Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar (photographed above) was inspired by Too Faced’s Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Collection. This Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar palette is a deeper, warmer version of the original coveted palette. Infused with the scent of sweet chocolate, this collection features 16 antioxidant-rich, cocoa powder-infused shadows in matte and shimmer shades with warm caramels, deep mochas, bronzy chocolate, and vibrant sugared blueberry hues. These rich, high-pigment shades are perfect for any season, and it includes a signature how-to Glamour Guide to help you get started with three eye looks.

I'm showcasing the original chocolate bar (photographed below) just in case you need to drop any hints as to what you may want/need for a holiday gift. ;-)

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IMG_1424The Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette is available for VIB and VIB Rouges at Sephora for $49.00

Click here to purchase the original Chocolate bar Palette for $49.00

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*Post contains affiliate links*

ShoeDazzle Winter Preview Sneak Peek

So last week, in the midst of the usual insanity, I had a Shoedazzle Winter Preview Video Conference aka a sneak peek at the new collection that is being released in a few weeks. You know it's one of those Super-Santa-Silent-Sunset-Secret (shout out to Grey's Anatomy) launch previews that I'm not allowed to discuss but O-M-G! I had to come and let you guys know to at least save your coins and any extra holiday gift money that you get because there are so many....just...so...many!

I think I've picked out 3 new pairs that must come home with me come January 1st, however, there is this one pump...in all her of deliciousness...that I will probably end up staying up all night until 3am PST just to ensure that I get her in all of the colors available.

It's very rare for me to feel as anxious and giddy over a pair of shoes. I mean I love all of my shoes and each pair has a special story behind them but you know when there is a pair that just touches your soul? I haven't felt a moment like this since I found my denim boot Zigi's at DSW back in 2011/2012. So for me to feel like this just from seeing this "secret pump" in pictures and a video is like holy grail for me.

I wish that I could release the pics but trust me when I say save your money! Cut someone off of that holiday shopping list. I mean you only see them twice a year so do they really need a gift?

Be prepared girls!

I'm already planning outfits around it! Check out the details below...the only thing missing are those shoes!

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Blazer: Forever New Sarah Structured Peplum Top: Rag & Bone Jean Rib Crop Tee Shorts: Vintage 90s Lee Light Blue Wash High Waisted Shorts Ring: Shoedazzle Shoes: Pending Shoedazzle release (Stay tuned)

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Top: Long sleeve ribbed crop Skirt: Burgandy ribbed stripe pencil skirt Clutch: Shoedazzle Riesel Earrings: Shoedazzle Shoes: Pending Shoedazzle release (Stay tuned)

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Obsessed: From Heels To Flats!

It's back to the Monday morning grind! I can't believe how quickly these weekends are flying by.

If you're lucky enough to have time off and you're finishing up some holiday shopping, here is some inspiration for you to style your next "going-to-do-errands" look. It's fashionable and functional (and look ma', no heels)! :-)

Details are listed below!

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Outfit Details

Sweater: Vila Simple Knitted Cardigan Top: American Vintage Basic Tank Top Pants: Hudson Muse Grey Turn-Up Skinny Jeans Necklace: JustFab Shine Line Boots: JustFab Fuzzy Sunglasses: Victoria Beckham Earrings: Tiny Bow Studs Belt: Berge Crystal Belt

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*Post contains affiliate links*

Holiday Chic - From Work to Glam

I seriously cannot believe that the end of the year is approaching so quickly. I'm already trying to prepare myself to start writing 2015 instead of 2014 since it takes about 2 weeks for that to transition over in my brain. #dontjudgeme

Since it's the end of the year, I know we're all starting to get ready for the end-of-the-year-holiday parties. So here's a little bit of inspiration for your next corporate holiday party.

I put this together because I hate getting ready for work and then having to carry 20,000 additional things with me so that I can change into something that is "party appropriate" to wear after I leave the office.

This type of monochromatic look can easily go from your 9 to 5 scene straight to your after work destination with an easy transition!

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Shoes: Shoedazzle Clutch: Shoedazzle Top: Polo Ralph Lauren Blazer: Patrizia Pepe Blazer Skirt: Jonathan Simkhai Viscose Pencil Skirt Fragrance: My Burberry

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Shoedazzle Durant Crossbody Bag - Izabella Rue

Dazzle your family this holiday season with the Durant crossbody bag by Izabella Rue! Personally I'm a big fan of the color and the braided stitching.

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Available for $39.95 VIP / $59.95 Regular

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JustFab Hadley - Holiday Pump!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Well beginning to look, sound and feel a lot like Christmas. The weather is about to drop to 30 degrees in NYC tomorrow and I'm not ready! :-( The only thing about this winter that I am looking forward to is the holidays! That's why when JustFab released their holiday collection, I had to jump on a few pieces. Here's the first pump that I picked out that will look fantastic on anyone going to a holiday dinner/party.

Shoes: JustFab Hadley Pump Tights: DSW Via Spiga Lurex Fishnet Tights

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Shoe details: Color: Red (also available in black) Fit: True to size Heel Height: 4 inches Platform Height: no platform VIP Price $39.95 / Reg Price $49.00

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Don't Forget To #Shoefie For A Cause Today!

I've got my blue suede shoes on for Breast Cancer today! Just a quick reminder to post a picture of your favorite blue shoes and Nine West will make a donation to Fashion targets Breast Cancer! Don't forget to tag me also so that you can enter to be one of 2 winners for a $25 Designer Shoe Warehouse giftcard at the end of the month! #9WFTBC and #FTBCxCCC

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For the 5th year in a row, Nine West joins forces with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. During the week of October 15 – October 21, with each purchase in-store at retail, outlet or online of $125 or more, Nine West will donate $25 to FTBC. As a thank you to customers for their purchase and donation, they will receive a Nine West/FTBC branded pouch. Additionally, the brand will be accepting donations during the entire month of October in support of breast cancer awareness. Exclusive this year, Nine West has designed a limited edition Nine West/FTBC pump that will be available in NYC retail stores only and on Ninewest.com. Lastly, in an effort to engage the community, Nine West has created a social media campaign tied to the cause. For every photo upload made by a celebrity, blogger, editor or customer wearing a blue shoe using hashtag #9WFTBC and tagging @NineWest during the month of October, the brand will make a donation to FTBC.

Now, here is where we all make this #shoefie campaign the best that it can be. During the month of October, I’m challenging you all to post as many pictures as you can of you wearing a blue shoe. Blue pump, blue sandal, blue boot – I don’t care as long as it’s blue! At the end of the month, I will gather up all of the entries and I will choose 2 winners to win a $25 giftcard to DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse. That’s it!

Not only will you be participating in one of the most fashionable social media campaigns ever (obsessed with shoes, hello), you’ll have a chance to win a free giftcard just for doing your part to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

Here’s how to enter: 1. Take a picture of you in a blue shoe. 2. Tag @Ninewest & @candycoatedclosets and use #9WFTBC and #FTBCxCCC in order to enter. Please make sure you follow this rule exactly and use the appropriate hashtags (make sure they are spelled correctly). 3. Tag a friend on your picture/s and spread the awareness.

You can enter as many times as you like until the end of the month. Again, just make sure you tag @Ninewest & @candycoatedclosets and use the appropriate hashtags #9WFTBC and #FTBCxCCC. That’s the only way you can enter my giveaway to be one of the winners at the end of the month. This contest will end on November 1, 2014 at 2:59 EST.

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Chanel Holiday 2014 Makeup Collection: Hightlighting Powder Plumes Precieuses de Chanel

Oh Chanel, why must you be so perfect and so expensive?
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I don't know why I bother to question whether or not I'm going to buy anything from the new Chanel holiday 2014 collection because...I already have! Pictured above is the limited edition Chanel Camelia de Plumes hightlighting powder -  the star piece from the collection. So far, I haven't been able to bring myself to use it yet, but I have gone into Bloomingdale's to swatch it and it's stunning. I use a light hand when it comes to highlighting on my cheeks and my upper shoulders so this came off a bit sheer platinum with a hint of gold in it on me.
You can purchase this at your local Bloomingdale's or online for $76.
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#Shoefie For a Cause! Post a Blue Shoe and Enter to Win a $25 Designer Shoe Warehouse Giftcard!

First, I'm not sure what I did to deserve this awful cold but it has literally knocked me off of my feet for the past week. :-( I was hoping that I would at least be feeling better by now so that I could update you all but unfortunately my body has had enough. No, literally, I tried getting out of bed Sunday morning to do a photoshoot and my body said "Girl, are you crazy? Get back in bed and go to sleep" This is the worst!

On the bright side, I have some fun news for you all...it's #Shoefie time! By now, you should know that as obsessed as I am with giving back to the community, I am equally ecstatic about a great #shoefie. So I was very excited to hear about this #shoefie for a cause campaign!

For the 5th year in a row, Nine West joins forces with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. During the week of October 15 – October 21, with each purchase in-store at retail, outlet or online of $125 or more, Nine West will donate $25 to FTBC. As a thank you to customers for their purchase and donation, they will receive a Nine West/FTBC branded pouch. Additionally, the brand will be accepting donations during the entire month of October in support of breast cancer awareness. Exclusive this year, Nine West has designed a limited edition Nine West/FTBC pump that will be available in NYC retail stores only and on Ninewest.com. Lastly, in an effort to engage the community, Nine West has created a social media campaign tied to the cause. For every photo upload made by a celebrity, blogger, editor or customer wearing a blue shoe using hashtag #9WFTBC and tagging @NineWest during the month of October, the brand will make a donation to FTBC.

Now, here is where we all make this #shoefie campaign the best that it can be. During the month of October, I'm challenging you all to post as many pictures as you can of you wearing a blue shoe. Blue pump, blue sandal, blue boot - I don't care as long as it's blue! At the end of the month, I will gather up all of the entries and I will choose 2 winners to win a $25 giftcard to DSW - Designer Shoe Warehouse. That's it!

Not only will you be participating in one of the most fashionable social media campaigns ever (obsessed with shoes, hello), you'll have a chance to win a free giftcard just for doing your part to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

Here's how to enter: 1. Take a picture of you in a blue shoe. 2. Tag @Ninewest & @candycoatedclosets and use #9WFTBC and #FTBCxCCC in order to enter. Please make sure you follow this rule exactly and use the appropriate hashtags (make sure they are spelled correctly). 3. Tag a friend on your picture/s and spread the awareness.

You can enter as many times as you like until the end of the month. Again, just make sure you tag @Ninewest & @candycoatedclosets and use the appropriate hashtags #9WFTBC and #FTBCxCCC. That's the only way you can enter my giveaway to be one of the winners at the end of the month. This contest will end on November 1, 2014 at 2:59 EST.

Here's is a screenshot of me posting so you can get an idea of how to enter!

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xoxo1

LuichiNY Super Rich Over The Knee Boots

Hi, my name is Cynira and I'm a freaking Amazon Woman in these boots! Well not really, but that's how I really feel whenever I find a pair of over the knee boots that are truly over the knee boots for women over 5 foot 6.

Like these LuichiNY Super Rich Over The Knee Boots from Shoedazzle.com!

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First, yes I did use my Canon camera to take these pictures and I'm so happy with how they came out. I will be re-shooting the Ladies Nite boots so you may all get a better view of them.

Second, onto my boots! Honestly, I tried not to like them so much when I got them. I was with my sister-in-law when I first tried them on and I insisted that they were just alright. Ha, I can even hear myself now saying to her, "I mean they're okay, I have so many boots anyway soooo -kanye shrug-".

-Looks at these pictures- Hindsight man!

As you can see, I decided to keep them. Even if I had 10 pairs of OTK's in my closet (which I don't), I didn't have a pair that was in this beautiful cognac color. So I decided to test them out during #SDBootCamp...

-Puts on one boot- Ok, these are pretty nice.... -Slides on the other boot- Oh snap! These stop mid thigh on me?!-

Naturally, the hallelujah chorus sang out, the white doves released and an angel got their wings. ^_^ Yes, all of that because I have a pair of mid-thigh high over the knee boots that don't make me look like I belong on the corner.

Shoe details: Color: Cognac Fit: True to size Heel Height: 5 inches Platform Height: 1 inch Shaft Height: 25 inches Only $107.95 at Shoedazzle.com

Outfit details: Coat: Guess Peacoat Boots: LuichiNY Super Rich from Shoedazzle Ring: Throwing Stones from Shoedazzle Glasses: Guess Shirt: Rainbow's Shop Pants: The Booty Lifter Signature Skinny from JustFab Lipstick: MAC Beet Lipliner with NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream Copenhagen Scarf: 5 and below

Don't forget to reach out if you need any shopping tips!

xoxo1

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets

LuichiNY Ladies Nite Over The Knee Boots

Oh yes it's ladies night and the feeling's rightOh yes it's ladies night, oh what a night, oh what a night! Oh yes it's ladies night and the feeling's right Oh yes it's ladies night, ohhhh what a night!!

Every time I look at my LuichiNY Ladies Nite boots, I end up hearing that song in my head.

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It's always nice to have a throwback to Kool & The Gang every once in a while. Now onto the review of the boots...

Last week, I got conned - yes conned, manipulated, bamboozled - by a certain dazzler named Oli into ordering these boots. I'll admit that it didn't take a lot of convincing because they are beyond gorgeous.

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Over the knee, genuine suede, back lace-up boots that are not slouchy on my calves and thighs? Maybe I need to send Oli a thank you note because I would have completely missed out on these had it not been for Shoedazzle!

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Shoe details: Color: Deep Purple/Eggplant Fit: Runs .5 to a full size small Heel Height: 5.5 inches Platform Height: 1 inch Shaft Height: 20 inches

Forgive the quality of the pictures. I, unfortunately, have a crazy cold now so scheduling another photoshoot this past Sunday was out of the question but I wanted to make sure you guys saw these before they sold out online. I also wanted to try out other media options and I took these pictures with my new Iphone 6 Plus during my first try on session. I figured the quality isn't so bad for my first go around with the phone but I think I'm going to stick to using my Canon when I can.

Before you head to Shoedazzle to place your order, please please please keep in mind that these do run small. I believe it'd be best to size up a full size, however, if you're worried about going up a size and it being too big/loose around your calves and thighs then make sure you at least size up .5. I can't stress this enough. If you fall in love and order your regular size and they don't fit and then they sell out...weeeeeell -_-.

Also, here's a quick outfit look in case you wanted to get a reference of where the boot would stop on you if you decided to wear a dress or a skirt with them. I'm 5'7' for reference.

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xoxo1

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How to: Score a $150 bag for $10

Yes, you read the title correctly.

This week's how to is dedicated to all of my shopping habits. More specifically, my "I may look like I'm balling with all of my clothes and accessories but in reality Sallie Mae owns me". Sigh, the struggle of being a college graduate. Needless to say because my monthly shopping budget for clothes is very tight, I have learned how to stretch a little a long way...a very looooooooong way. Take this Audrey Brooke Leather bag for example:

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This spacious bag is crafted from beautiful genuine leather that would normally retail for $149.95. However, I was able to snag a brand new one for just $9.94.

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Ok, fine. So it was $10.80 after taxes.

And that's my big secret as to how I was able to grow quite an extensive collection of items in my closet. Find the same items but just spend less o f my money on them. Now how do we do that?

How to shop better? Step 1: Don't sleep...ever. I'm not sure if it is a computer generated process or a person updating a website anywhere from 2:00 to 7:00 AM EST but the best deals that I have ever purchased have usually come about because I'm having a case of insomnia and awake window shopping on websites. Step 2: Don't leave your computer to get food or go to the rest room. Seriously, $10 for $150 satchel? I think I'll hold it. Step 3: If you have to waiver away from step 1 or 2 for any reason, have a dedicated partner that will pick up your shift. Our Bae's and BFF's have to be good for something, right? Step 4: Have your credit card numbers memorized. You really shouldn't have to be fumbling around with your wallet at 3:00 AM. Step 5: Make sure you shop around all of the different categories on the website. You never know when something good maybe getting added. Step 6: Make friends with me. In case you see anything in a size 10 pop up, you can call my cell or better yet just buy it for me. ;-)

In all honesty though, I usually get a lot of deals by just being lucky and having an amazing circle of shopping addicts that like to share their recent steals as well. So make sure to follow me on social media. Check the links below!

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Farewell Summer!

Alas the end is near and it's time to say goodbye to summer. With fall finally upon us, it's time to pack away the open toe sandals and wedges and whip out the over the knee boots and stylish booties.

Before we do though, everyone at Candy Coated Closets headquarters figured we should send summer off in style! So here's my end of summer look!

spring

xoxo1

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"Scandal" Clothing Line

Get ready Gladiators! The highly anticipated Scandal collection is set to arrive this Monday, September 23 at The Limited and we're starting to get our first looks of the line. Click here to check out more of the line!

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What do you think gladiators? Is your wallet going to get Pope'd?

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A Girls' Night Out Clutch - JustFab Mirage Clutch

During the work week, I'm your typically "bag lady" that carries around oversized shoulder bags and totes that can fit everything from my room and office in there. But I'll be honest: when the weekend rolls around or I have a midweek date night, I'm usually tying my outfit together with one of the many tiny clutches that I have. Cue my new JustFab Mirage Clutch!

I picked out this clutch during one of my pre-birthday shopping events because of its very cool, casual vibe. I love how the snakeskin texture stands out against the gold trimming and Lucite top bow. Since it was date night, I finished my look with my Pave Perfection bracelet in Gold and designer essential glamour set from Yves Saint Laurent.

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Pictured: JustFab Mirage Clutch Pave Perfection bracelet Designer essential glamour set by Yves Saint Laurent - 500 point reward from Sephora

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Shoedazzle + Barbie Giveaway Winner(s)

Congratulations to the grand prize winner of the Shoedazzle + Barbie giveaway - Instagram follower @Smizod! You have just won a $50 Forever21 giftcard, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle.com and a MAC Cosmetics Pleasurebomb lipstick. It's the perfect prize pack to style yourself as the Barbie girl!

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I also decided to give away two $5 Amazon.com giftcards to followers Roxanne Oudie and Melissa Shoelover just for participating so congratulations as well ladies!

Don't forget to stay tuned to my social platforms for more updates!

xoxo1

Connect with me:

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