Step up in colored tights!

Colored tights, of gossip girl fame, back by popular demand and better than ever! I've been spotting colored tights all week due to the chilly air that has finally taken over here in L.A..

Spotted: the lovely Miss Chealsea Handler rocking red tights on her nightly show.

Spotted: My adorable, ever fashionable mom in a black minidress and blue tights!

Once I saw them on my mom, I knew I had to blog about it! Not only are colored tights a great way to update what has become a boring winter staple, they are super cute!

Colored tights under a black minidress or romper strike the perfect note between sweet and sexy:

Not only are colored tights big this season, patterned tights are also a huge trend. Don't be afraid to play around; colored or patterned tights can give an outfit great visual interest and can make a simple dress or outfit look super fashionable.

Already tried this trend? Send me a pic at icandy.faceaholic@gmail.com to be featured on my blog!

Get your sizzle on this winter

Photo:http://dailywd.womansday.com/blog/2009/04/cutest-pet-of-the-day-all-bundled-up-.html

As much as I hate to let it go, summer is officially over. No more shorts, no more beach days (well maybe just a few more), and no more flirty, curve-flattering dresses (unless you think there's something attractive about goosebumps).

Unfortunately for me, due to my penchant for carbs and sweet sweet cupcakes (susiecakes, why so good?) and my non-enthusiasm for the gym, My wiggle has recently acquired a substantial amount of jiggle. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I mean, who doesn't love a nice full hourglass? But dressing that hourglass has definitely become a challenge. Just when I get the hang of dressing my fuller bod for warm weather, that nip in the air arrives to coax me into getting my frump on.

But where would we be if our forefather's had just given up? If Abraham Lincoln had just decided to take the easy way out? If Tyra had settled for just looking pretty? Hmm, well maybe not that last one, but the point is, I refuse to attend my 8am classes in droopy sweats! I will not succumb to the cold or to the rain and sacrifice fashion for warmth! I can be warm, comfortable, and fashionable while making my body look amazing, and you can too.

Enter Vain Jane's Winter* Wardrobe Staples- because rolling out of bed can look good!

• A pair of dark velour pants that makes your ass look sweet! Juicy is obviously the leader of the pack but if you don't feel like dropping a benji on a pair of slutty sweats any knock off pair will do as long as they make you feel as sexy as they do comfy.

• A plaid shirt or jacket in your favorite color- nothing says take me home and ravish me in your ski cabin like plaid, and even if there is no such cabin in your foreseeable future, it can never hurt to be prepared. Better safe than sorry ;)

• Moccasin-Style Boots- Kate Moss started the trend for goodness sake, not to mention the fact that they are so deliciously comfortable. My faves are Minnetonka, the lace-up knee high, the tramper, and the back zipper bootie.

• A Cuddly Over-Sized Cardigan- turns jeans and a tee into a chic low-maintenance look.

• Leggings & Tights- How else are you going to make your favorite summer skirts, dresses, and shorts cold weather wearable?

• An off the shoulder tee or sweater- Can you think of anything sexier than baring your shoulders when the rest of you is almost completely covered, because I can't!

• A Bunnyesque Beanie/Beret to get you through those bad hair days. When else can you wear a hat in L.A. without smoke coming out of your ears?

*Winter in Los Angeles, but these tips can be adapted to any climate no matter how ridiculously cold!

To a fantastic frumpy-less winter! What helps you keep things hot when the temperature is dropping?

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Foundation SPF 20

Let me preface this by saying that I have never before worn foundation in my life. I pretty much get by with my Clinique concealer and my MUFE HD powder. So, I got a sample of this foundation with my last order from Sephora.com and I used it for a few days. The sample was nice because it came with all 4 colors and enough to probably use it for about a week.

My first impression of the Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle foundation was that it gave really nice, natural-looking coverage and it was really easy to apply, I just used my fingers! It's pretty much mistake proof, it goes on really sheer and you can build the coverage if you like.

After the third day of wearing it, I got home and I felt like my skin couldn't breathe. I felt a ridiculous urgency to get it off of my face. I figure this is because:

1. I have combination skin that can be very oily in areas.
2. I work on my feet all day walking and moving around and that can exaggerate the oiliness.
3. It had been raining and the air was pretty humid.

So, for any and maybe all of those reasons, I just couldn't stand another day of wearing the foundation. I have to admit I loved the way it evened out my face and my skintone, but it did feel a little bit like my skin was suffocating at the end of the day.

I think this foundation would be perfect for someone with dry or mature skin, but if you have oily or combination skin and you live in a humid environment, just skip it.

Also, Sephora's Friends and Family sale starts today online, 20% off with the code FF2009!

love, iCandy

Don't know what to buy? Check out this post for some great ideas: http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2009/10/sephora-friends-and-family-2009-guide-for-hauling-should-haves-must-haves-and-everything-else.html

Yves Rocher Fall Fragrance Sale + New Tendre Jasmine Perfume

I have to confess; I've been a little rebellious when it comes to my scent. I work in an industry where perfume is not allowed, and the fact that it's forbidden only makes it more exciting to me! I absolutely love fragrance and I truly believe it is one of the most important components of any outfit, so you can imagine how hard it is for me to leave the house without my signature scent du jour.

Lately I've been sneaking a spritz here and a dab there of my L.A.M.B. and my rose solid perfume, and it makes me feel so exhilarated. Plus I love smelling a whiff of my perfume throughout the day.

As I mentioned before in my review of Leslie Blodgett's Bare Skin, scent is a very powerful thing that has the power to bring up memories and take you back to a place you haven't been in a very long time! This is one of the reasons I love perfume so much, along with the fact that it's something that makes you feel so sensually pretty no matter what you're wearing (especially if you're not wearing anything!).

On that note, Yves Rocher is introducing their new Tendre Jasmine perfume and I can't wait to try it! When I was younger we had a night blooming jasmine bush (tree? vine?) outside of our house and smelling the flowers from my window was just so magical. Ever since then I have been in love with the scent of jasmine. It is so delicate and clean but fragrant at the same time.

Take advantage of Yves Rocher's Fall Fragrance Sale, up to 50% off, and as if that weren't enough, they are giving free Tendre Jasmine mini perfumes with any fragrance purchase!

Just thought I'd let ya know!

love, iCandy

Clinique: Exclusive Holiday Preview & 3 FREE treats!

Here is a gorgeous special offer from Clinique to score a little somethin' somethin' while you're stocking up on essentials. I am exhausted today from my 8am class and also because I spent about 3 hours shopping at TJ Maxx. I was getting a little curious after seeing all those commercials, and although I wasn't blown away by anything, it was a good shopping trip overall. I managed to get some basics on sale like t-shirts and undies, and I got the sassiest interview outfit for my hopefully upcoming internship interview! Expect a post on interview attire soon! I always get so stressed about interviews. I don't know how much of my personal style I should project when I'm going on an interview or if I should just keep it cool and professional. Today I found myself wondering if neon pumps might be appropriate, so obviously I need a little guidance! If you absolutely can't wait go to WhoWhatWear.com for style advice on any occasion! Have an amazing weekend, love iCandy

Getting ready for the season of giving!

Photo: http://www.stilacosmetics.com/promos/holidaygiftguide09/default.asp?utm_source=ncr&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=holidaygiftguide09

Happy Almost-Thursday! I am super tired and also feeling a little lazy today so I'm posting this e-mail I received from Stila about their holiday gift sets as a reminder that the holiday season is fast approaching so start saving now! You don't want to stiff anyone on your list (ok, maybe just one or two people).

Here is the link to the web version of the e-mail: http://www.stilacosmetics.com/promos/holidaygiftguide09/default.asp?utm_source=ncr&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=holidaygiftguide09

But seriously, the holidays are coming and they'll be here sooner than u can say "holiday weight gain", and what better to gift your friends and family than the gift of beauty, a la stila. Obviously there are a lot of things that would be better, like louboutin heels or a fantastic vacation, but those are not really in anyone's price range! What I mean to say is you could do a lot worse than a gift set from Stila!

love, iCandy

P.S.- I recently discovered that people who are addicted to facebook are called "faceaholics", so I am thinking of changing the name of this much-read blog. Something along the lines of "SexyMessyMakeup&Fashion", because being perfect is so 5 minutes ago! Let me know what you think, suggestions are greatly appreciated because records show I'm not as clever as I think I am!

Yves Rocher!

I used to wash my hair with Yves Rocher's chamomile shampoo every night all through elementary school! It gave me the prettiest golden highlights in my dark brown hair and made it oh-so-soft. Imagine my delight when, on a whim, I searched to see if they were on the web, and they are! (http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/main/)

It turns out my beloved chamomile shampoo has been re-branded into a golden highlight enhancing specialty shampoo (on sale now for $7.60!), which is more than fine by me, as long as I can have it! Browsing the site was like taking a stroll down memory lane, remembering how I used to terrorize my mom while she opened the boxes she ordered from Yves Rocher, and begging her to let me have the mini perfume samples.

If there were ever a brand that I fully and wholeheartedly trust it would be this one! Every bottle reminds me of the sweet innocence of childhood and of being completely taken care of. Just seeing the name written out on the website was a pull on my heartstrings. I know some people might find my deep psychological attachment to the brand hard to understand, but everyone has something from their childhood that reminds them of being loved and taken care of. Maybe it's seeing that old school coppertone that your mom slathered on you painstakingly day after summer day even though you cried and complained the whole time, or maybe it's the brand of oatmeal your dad made you before school. Whatever it is, don't worry, I get it!

Not only do I have a deep and long-standing emotional relationship with Yves Rocher, I also love their high environmental standards ( they earned the highest certification for their North American office), and the fact that they don't use any animal products in any of their products. This is truly botanical beauty at it's finest! Can't you tell that I just love love love this brand? It's not too often that you get a little piece of your childhood back, so for me this is really special, but the products are truly great and amazingly priced. Trust me, I'm a lifetime user!

coupon code: 15THANKS to get 15% off any order at http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/main/

If I'm not who I was yesterday, who will I be tommorrow?

Photo: http://www.robertwess.com/popup.html?cat=1&img=7

If watching What Not To Wear has taught me anything, it's that there are a lot of very attractive women out there who see themselves as plain or even ugly and have never thought of themselves as beautiful, not even once!

Thankfully I am not one of those women, but lately, I find myself looking in the mirror and instead of admiring my high cheekbones and full lips I am noticing my face growing rounder and my ever-present blemishes. In high school I remember riding home in the front seat, absolutely mesmerized by my reflection in the side mirror, I was amazed at all the changes that were happening and by my first glimpse of the adult me!

So now I'm wondering, how did I get from there, to here? It has been over 5 years since those self-absorbed, carefree days, but can a few extra pounds and a premenstrual zit really blind me to the beauty that I used to find in myself? I guess "can" is not really the question, but should it? The hardest thing is feeling like all the self-esteem and the effort I made turning myself from a shy little girl into a fierce and confident teen, has gone to waste. How can you lose something that is fundamentally who you are?

I used to wear tight jeans and short skirts and my hair was my signature. I was an outrageous flirt and I didn't care what anyone thought of me. I thought those things defined me, but they must not because I don't do any of those things anymore. Now my jeans definitely fall into the "mom" category and a miniskirt sounds like a death sentence. I still love my hair but unfortunately it has to be covered up most of the time. I spend most of my time trying not to be noticed and I am ridiculously intimidated by boys.

I can't pinpoint exactly when I lost my sass, but it's definitely long gone. Maybe this is just a phase that will pass, but if it isn't I know my new self will emerge eventually. Someone who is maybe a little quieter and a little more demure, but just as funny and smart as before.

I guess the point of all this is that it's never too late to find yourself, even if you have no idea who you are. Whether you lose yourself in a quarter or mid-life crisis, it's not the end of the world! Just because you aren't who you thought you were doesn't mean you can't be someone great. This is a message from me to any woman out there who finds herself "in-between", you're not the only one and things are going to get better!

love, iCandy

Sephora Flirt-It Lash Duo: $8 out of your pocket, and 10 steps closer to insanity

Photo: Sephora-http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P47072&categoryId=A16

$8 - Sephora.com

I bought these seemingly amazing falsies on a trip to Sephora a while ago, and just decided to use them last week. At first the two types of lashes and included glue in the package seemed like an all-inclusive dream come true!

Let me preface this by saying that I've worn (and applied) fake eyelashes before, on many a Halloween and just to look a little more dramatic, and while I'm no expert, I certainly know how to put them on. But, try as I might, I was not able to get these lashes to stay on. I blame it mostly on the really shitty glue that comes in the package, but also on the fact that the base of the lashes is almost as thin as the lashes themselves, leaving almost no area for your lid to stick to.

So, not only did this give me a massive headache before I even ate breakfast, it also made me late for the one class I was able to register for this semester. All I have to say is, ladies save your $8, and Sephora, I never thought you would let me down, but these lashes are a nightmare!

Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Bare Skin Fragrance - only at Sephora, available online now!

Photo: Sephora- http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P249603&categoryId=B70

For those of you who don't know, Leslie Blodgett is the CEO and beauty powerhouse behind Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. If you don't use it, chances are you know someone who does (my mom), and if you do use it, chances are you die for it (catchphrase courtesy of Rachel Zoe)!

The press for this seductive little fragrance aptly named Bare Skin has been swirling around the web (and, coincidentally, right into my inbox) and it got me a little curious. Sephora has classified this fragrance as a "woody oriental" in the same family as Tom Ford Black Orchid and Thierry Mugler Angel.

My mom wore Angel while I was growing up and I remember sneaking into her room to spray some on my wrists and then lying when she asked me if I had used it. It is such a complex, beautiful scent but the strongest thing about it are the memories it triggers . That's what I love most about scents and fragrance especially. A certain smell can unlock the sweetest memory and can make you feel at home or remind you of that special someone even when you're miles away.

What is so great and unique about Bare Skin is that Blodgett has created the fragrance based on a magical Mexican vacation, using the joy she felt and the memories created there as inspiration. A smell can unlock many a memory, but in this case, Blodgett's first fragrance is an homage to a joyous vacation spent sun-kissed and care-free on the beaches of Mexico.

With notes of Black Pepper, Freesia, Vanilla Orchid, Plumeria, Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Musk (and more!), Sephora reviewers described the scent as rich, and sexy. Is it as sexy as bare skin on a Mexican beach? I'll believe it when I smell it.

love, iCandy

PS- Become a Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries fan on facebook to make sure you receive all the latest news!

The New FTC Guides: Because we're all really stupid

I've recently read about the new FTC guides aimed towards bloggers receiving endorsements (read about it at Jolie Nadine), free products, and even getting paid to write good reviews. Unless you've been living under a rock, or you're very very naive, you are aware that successful beauty bloggers (and any kind of bloggers) receive free products and "incentives" to write positive reviews of the products they are given, among other things. These new guides basically require bloggers to reveal if they are getting paid to post about a product and if the product was given to them for free.

No offense, FTC but it's pretty obvious who is getting products for free and who isn't. I know when Tammy at Lazy Beautiful reviews a product she had to go and shell out her hard-earned cash for it (just like yours truly), as opposed to Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog who I'm pretty sure is getting tons of perks along with all the hits I'm sure she gets (I ain't mad at you).

While I am in favor of bloggers coming clean about the products and brands they review and recommend, I can't help but feel that these guides are kinda like diet soda; it's a nice gesture, but in the end you know it's not really helping the situation. So what if bloggers, especially beauty bloggers, start disclosing what they got for free and who is sponsoring them, we still have hundreds of magazines and major publications whose beauty editors (who, ironically, don't have to spend a penny on any of the products they recommend!) tell us what products we should be lusting for season after season.

So basically these guides will help little Sally be more discerning when on the web, but when she opens her seventeen magazine she won't be warned that the entire beauty page is just a huge advertisement disguised as "expert advice", or that the products in the make-up bag of her favorite celebrity are all strategically placed and promoted based on that celebrity's current contracts and endorsements.

Hump Day Deals & Steals from Fresh, Clinique, and Bath &Body Works

Get a free Rose Makeup Bag with online purchase of SUGAR ROSÉ TINTED LIP TREATMENT SPF 15 with promo code ROSE5 at checkout.

This lip balm/color is an Allure Beauty award winner and an all around fave of ladies everywhere!

• Allure Magazine- Best of Beauty October 2009- Voted Best Tinted Balm
• More Magazine- One of Fall's 10 Best Makeup October 2009
• Featured in Elle Magazine Beauty News August 2009
• Featured in Nylon Magazine's "Get This" August 2009
• Featured in Vanity Fair's "Hot Looks" August 2009

Check out this mighty thorough review of the balm at Confessions of a Balmaholic!

Until Monday, October 12 (or while supples last) get a free eye cream mini (All About Eyes) and free standard shipping with any $30 Clinique.com purchase with the code SOLUTIONS at checkout. Clinique's All About Eyes is a 2009 Glamour Magazine "Glammie" award winner and is ophthalmologist tested.

While supplies last, get a free twilight woods 2 oz. body lotion with any purchase, no promo code required.

On Sale now:

• Bath & Body Works Signature Body Butters for $7
• Jonathon Finish Hold Firm Hold Spray originally $24 now only $12 -View ratings and reviews at totalbeauty.com and makeupalley.com

Visit the Bath & Body Works Sale Page for a complete list of deals going on Now!

Just a few deals to brighten your day and your week!

love,

iCandy

Bronzer Part "Too"

Along with my last Sephora.com haul, I got a sample of Too Faced Sun Bunny bronzer, $27, Sephora.com. Since I'm something of a bronzer amateur (using it as a contour/blush and not all over) I can only compare this to my Stila Sun Bronzer (shade 02).

After getting such a great deal on my Stila bronzer and highlighter combo at Sephora.com (both for $10!) I didn't think I could love another bronzer, but I found myself thinking about the lonely sample sitting in my drawer, all bronzey-pink and delicious.

So one day I just couldn't resist! I peeled away the plastic and dipped my brush into it, and let me tell you that was the absolute end of it! I'm in love... again! I used the darker shade just under my cheekbones swirled onto the apples of my cheeks, and the lighter shade (which is amazing, BTW) I use right on top of my cheekbones. I just don't feel complete without it!

This bronzer blends well and has just the right amount of shimmer. The colors are amazing but you do have to use a light hand! Which is fine with me because that just makes it last longer.

The bronzer is sold alone at Sephora.com and in a few Too Faced sets, check them out here.

This will definitely hit my basket during Sephora's Friends and Family sale (Oct. 19-Nov 2.), get 20% off on almost everything with the code FF2009! Start making your list now, and tell me what you've been waiting all year to splurge on!

love, iCandy

Help Clinique Make a Dramatic Difference + 3 Complimentary Gifts!*

A great deal for a great cause in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month from Clinique! While you're at Clinique.com, get a free online skin consultation to see which products are best for you (I'm skin type 2!). I know there are a lot of die-hard clinique fans out there, fortunately I haven't got into clinique products (yet) because I don't think I can afford another obsession! But it won't hurt to see what products are recommended for me, right?
;) love, iCandy

Last chance to get FREE SMUDGE POT with any purchase!

Last chance to get FREE SMUDGE POT with any purchase!

Today is the last day to get a free Golden Noir smudge pot with any Stilacosmetics.com purchase.

As per stila:  

"This rich black 24kt gold-infused eye liner and shadow in one is 

water resistant, smudge-proof, and now FREE!"

 Enter coupon code: FALLBEAUTY at checkout.  

Offer ends tonight at midnight.   Pass it on!   

Stilacosmetics.com

Free Pink Clutch! Join tarte in Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Join tarte cosmetics in Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness and shop from the Think Pink collection this month; 20% of proceeds from this collection will go to the Young Survival Coalition. As a bonus, receive a free pink clutch with a purchase of $40 or more, code:PinkOct9

Enbrightenment Britesmile Whitener + tarte lipgloss in pearly pink- $26

Lip gloss and teeth whitener in the same package? Amazing! And I was just thinking my smile could use a little brightening... Add tarte's t5 super fruit complex into the mix and it just seems too good to be true.

Wish this came in more colors, but hey, I'll take what I can get!

Tarte eyeshadow in Sweet Valley High (pictured) and Raspberry Beret- $14

The shimmery pale pink of Sweet Valley High is my

dream highlight shade. I love nothing more than a pretty pink dusting of shadow along the brow bone and in the inner corners of the eyes. It does the job and is also pretty and girly at the same time. I'm sure a lot of you feel the same way, in fact I know someone does because the shade is currently out of stock, but hopefully it will be back soon because it is gorgeous.

Natural Cheekstain in Bliss and Dollface (pictured)- $30

What would a list for tarte be without a cheekstain? No list at all! Bliss is a "warm peachy-pink" and Dollface is a "sheer candy pink with a touch of shimmer". Both are oh-so-pretty and amazing I don't think I can choose between them. It's like when you have two children, and they ask you who is your favorite you just take each one aside and let them know they're your favorite but it's "your little secret"... lol

In all seriousness :) I think Bliss is a great color for anyone. I think peachy colors can highlight brown or hazel eyes and they are a great meeting point between traditional blush and bronzers. Pink works in different ways on everyone, so it's very versatile, but can also be very fickle (especially when you add shimmer to the mix). You know what works for you!

Have an amazing weekend ladies! Let me know what you are up to!

Love, iCandy

Love yourself! In this case you only need one to tango!

Following the lead of my fellow beauty bloggers Tammy at Lazy Beautiful and Renee at Beauty Fool, I've decided to write on what I love about myself.

If you're lucky, you either grew up with healthy self esteem or you discovered it as you grew up. If you're unlucky, you struggle with your self-image and self-worth almost daily. Personally, I am a little bit of both. I truly love myself and would never in a million years want to be anyone else but sometimes society's and my own expectations are hard to get out from under.

So, in honor of building my self esteem and making those bad days a little better, here is what I love about myself:

• I love to smile and laugh! I bring joy and happiness to those around me whether it be at work, or to my friends and family.
• I am funny.
• I love my dark, naturally curly hair whether it is clean and bouncy, or sexy and unkempt, I think it looks fabulous all the time!
• I love that I am a "nice" person, but I don't let people walk all over me.
• I love that I am like a fierce mother bear with my boyfriend and younger brothers, if anyone messes with them, they have to deal with me (and it ain't pretty).
• I love that I am hardworking and trustworthy, I truly value my reputation.
• I love that I'm not afraid to express myself or to try new things!
• I love my small ankles and wrists.
• I love that I am a vegan and love animals (I am seriously obsessed), but I don't alienate the people in my life who do consume meat.
• I love that I love so much about myself that I could literally list hundreds of things!

I'm going to leave it at that for now! I think sometimes it's hard to see the beauty and light in yourself when you don't know how to look for it, but no matter how much you struggle with your self-image, your list of things you don't like about yourself should always be much shorter than the list of things you love about yourself! And if it isn't, I'm sure there are tons of people you know that would prove you wrong! Don't be afraid to reach out and let others help you if you need it.

Happy Friday (almost)!

love, iCandy

iCandy invites you to join www.TheFairest.com

Hey ladies!

I found this great site called The Fairest where members can save up to 75% off retail prices on the latest fashions. It's free to join. They really have amazing prices on some of my favorite brands and I know how much you like a good deal!

Check it out if you haven't already!

Before I post my updated review of The Fairest's processing and shipping procedures (still unhappy, but there is a silver lining) I have to post about all of the amazing sales that are going on right now!

Sonya Dakar (ends in the next 12 hours!)- Not only are skincare products offered, but also Sonya Dakar Beauty Bootcamp products like vitamins and skin/body nourishing shakes (I scooped one up in the strawberry flavor)!

BURN- fancy candles, hand wash, and lotions and body creams with fantastic scents, need I say more?

POP Beauty- Score an entire beauty cabinet (1 bronzer, 3 blushes, black eyeliner, a gold highlighter, 10 eyeshadows, and 6 "lip dews") for $11.40! Everything in this sale is deliciously marked down! There isn't a single item priced above $17.00!

Primal Elements- More kitschy and cute than "ooh-able", this is the least exciting of all 4 sales, but I still couldn't resist the Cupcake Sugar Whip Moisturizing Body Scrub with it's butter cake scent and bedazzled container.

Use this code to get $10 off a purchase of $75 or more: CLOSETHF10, and find more codes at RetailMeNot!

My college fund has just been sufficiently depleted (just kidding, Mom)!

:)

Happy October 1st!

love, iCandy