Essence Inaugural Beauty Box Review: Soulful. Colorful. Beautiful.

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First, can I tell you guys how much I missed you?! I'm so happy to be writing for my blog again! It's been such a crazy transition and adjustment over the past few months but you know that I'd never leave you for too long. Now back to business - you know everyone has a beauty box now right? I think it's great because it's the best way to try out new products and introduce new brands to the consumer. However, as a woman of color, a lot of the products that are curated for these beauty boxes aren't really done with us in mind - and I mean that with no shade at all. It's just having a certain skin tone; having different undertones; having a different "type" of hair, I need products that are really curated to women of color.

So I was very excited to hear about the news that Essence was coming out with an Essence Beauty Box that was specifically curated by a team of African-American women with African-American women in mind. These are editors who have years of experience in the fashion and hair industry so I immediately knew that I needed to jump on this.

So before we dive into this inaugural box, the subscription is $15 a month and there's three different subscription plans that you can choose from - you can do a monthly payment plan for $15 per box and you'll be charged monthly; you can do a 6 month plan for $90 and you're charged upfront (still $15 per box) or you can do a 12 month subscription which comes to $165 and you're charged upfront (it comes to $13.75 per box). In each box, you're going to get five luxe beauty products. If you sign up, please use my referral code 992-4D8B-00F2!

So now let's get to it - you see what happens when I don't write for my own blog in forever and just live on social? I end up talking and talking and talking just because I missed you guys so much. But you'll see why I took a few months off...I needed to learn a few new tricks ;-) 

So this first box includes five products it includes:

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1. The Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In conditioner which is described as a daily conditioning treatment to improve manageability. It's a sulfate free formula that is supposed to be safe for color-treated, chemically treated, curly or straight hair. - Update - This is holy grail out of this entire box. I loveeee me a good leave in conditioner and it's coconut. I rub this on the end of my hair every night before going to bed. #LifeismadeIMG_5443

2. The Curls Crème Brule Whipped Curl Cream is a cream styler that will define, de-frizz, and moisturize your tresses, leaving soft curls without hold. - Update - I still love saying this name. Crème Brule. So sexy :-) Anyway, this is my second favorite product. I've been using this to tame my frizzy hair. I'll give you a better review once I keep my hair in a wash and go style.

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3. The L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream which is a cream that is enhanced with 20% shea butter which is specifically designed to penetrate quickly in order to protect, nourish and moisturize your hands. - Update - Ok, this stuff is amazing and is the perfect travel size lotion. I love that I'm able to keep it in my coat pocket to keep my hands moisturized while I'm out. remember ladies, your true age will always show on your hands and your neck so it's best to keep them moisturized!

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4. The Calvin Klein Eternity Now fragrance which is a bright addictive floral fragrance that features succulent fruits and radiant flowers that is enveloped in a soft cashmere veil. - Update - Full size bottle is already on my holiday wishlist! Do I need to say more?

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5. Lastly, the Tarte Brow Architect which is an all-in-one brush, pencil and underscoring concealer With this  tool, you can shape, line and define your brows with one simple tool. - Update - This is a really fun product that's great to travel with. Right now I'll be honest, I'm letting my eyebrows grow in because one looks like an evil twin. #NotCute

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And are you ready for this? Here's a quick video of me styling my hair using some of my favorite hair products along with the Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In conditioner and Curls Crème Brule Whipped Curl Cream - which I've been using for about 3 weeks now and I am in love!

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Overall, I'm really impressed with this box because they are including well-known brands along with new brands and it's great for exposure. Let me know in the comments what you guys think! Don't forget to use the #EssenceBeauty so we can talk!

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Is it Spring yet?

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 Hello? Spring? Are you there?

Hi, it's me Cynira and ummm..I was just wondering when I would be able to start wearing my open toe sandals and maxi dresses again? Oh and by the way, waking up to a sheet of ice on my car towards the end of March isn't fun. -_-

Seriously, I am so over winter and it's not even winter anymore! -Insert dramatic sigh- For now, the only thing that I can do is wear brighter color lipsticks and pretend that it's 60 degrees outside.

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What color lipstick do you have on today?

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It's All About Those Nudes!

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Get ready loves! I'm working on my next color story with Specktra and it's all about nudes! If you're looking for something to wear for Valentine's Day other than red/pink/purple then you want to make sure you catch this piece!

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Is It Spring Yet? JustFab Sneak Peek

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Spring...oh how I wish you were here now and would never ever leave again. Unfortunately, I'm a native New Yorker so I'll be singing this same tune once winter leaves and circles back again at the end of 2015.

The only thing getting me through this blast - the exciting sneak peeks of the upcoming Spring launches of some of my favorite companies! Yesterday, I quickly reposted this photo taken by @rachelaschenbrandpsw, fashion editor at @peoplestylewatchmag, of the #StyleWatching preview of JustFab's spring launch.

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So yeah, you can pretty much say that I'm ready for Spring! Start saving up those credits ladies and stock up on your favorite winter items now before their gone. Click here to shop online at JustFab.

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Sophia Amoruso Steps Down As CEO of NastyGal

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 The official #GirlBoss herself has given up her role as CEO of NastyGal. Sophia Amoruso - the founder and creator of the Los Angeles based online fashion retailer took to Youtube to explain why she stepped down as the company's CEO and promoted Sheree Waterson in her place.

Briefly, Amoruso explains that she wants to focus on connecting with the brands customers and she can't do that while being in the office all day. Head to Youtube to check out the full video.

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What do you think about this decision? Honestly, I think given some of the recent negative press Sophia Amoruso has received about laying off pregnant women, this might be a good PR move for the company all around. Let me know what you think!

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Here's To a Happy New Year - 2015!

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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!

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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!

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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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New - Too Faced Sweet Semi Chocolate Bar Palette

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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

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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!

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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

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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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The Start of A New Week!

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Putting in a 50+ hour work week last week was absolutely insane and obviously very time consuming since I didn't have the chance to talk to you guys! :-(

Despite the crazy hours and the 5,000 boxes of clothes, shoes and make-up that I received last week -judgment free zone- I was still able to check on the progress of you all posting your blue #shoefie photos for breast cancer awareness! #9WFTBC and #FTBCxCCC

So far we've been able to raise over $500 for our photos uploaded on Instagram - $10 for every blue shoefie photo uploaded.

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Don't forget we have until the end of the month to post pictures in our blue shoes in support of Breast Cancer.

Each photo upload equals a $10 donation toward Nine West’s $275,000 goal supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Plus, each photo you upload gets you an entry into my giveaway for a $25 DSW giftcard - 2 winners!

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

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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

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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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Farewell Summer!

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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!

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

"Scandal" Clothing Line

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

A Girls' Night Out Clutch - JustFab Mirage Clutch

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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)

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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!

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Connect with me:

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Shoedazzle + Barbie Giveaway Ends Tonight!

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Tonight's the night! Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win a $50 giftcard to Forever21, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle and one Riri Hearts MAC Pleasurebomb lipstick!

These prizes were specifically chosen so you can style yourself to be a Barbie girl! So here’s how this giveaway will work…

Rules: 1. Follow me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets [Mandatory] 2. Repost the above giveaway picture and use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW – [Mandatory] One entry 3. Create an outfit – [Optional] One entry – You can use Polyvore or whatever other program you like. Make sure you use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see it. Of course, I’d love to see an outfit with any Shoedazzle shoes! 4. You can earn two entries once a day until the close of the contest. Meaning you can enter everyday – once by reposting the giveaway photo and again by posting your styled outfit. Again, use #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see your entries. 5. Your profile must be set to public. I can’t stress this enough. If your profile is set to private, then I can’t see your entries and well you can’t win! 6. Open to the United States and Internationally. 7. Participants must be 18 or older. 8. If you’re entering you must have an account at Shoedazzle so that I can order your credit. If you don’t, then you can choose one item for $39.95 and I will have it shipped to you. 9. Contest ends Monday, September 15th at 7:00pm EST. At that time I will verify entries and a winner will be chosen randomly. 10. Have fun, stay stylish and remember to dream big!

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xoxo1

Connect with me:

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