Tag Archives: red

I Spy, With My Little Eye, From The Loft….

11 Nov

RainyFallI’m sitting here at The Loft staring out the beautiful picture window, filled with grey fall clouds above and red brick on the building next door, darkened by the passed rain. As dreary as some might think it is, to me it’s beautiful. The colors blend beautifully with a darkened hue of autumn’s best. Even though I appreciate the vibrancy of it all, the fact still remains that I will be wearing the usual black and white fall-back colors to the tattoo shop for the day. My closet is filled with shades of the season and I’ll still dress like a newspaper. I’m so ashamed.

As I look at all of the colors outside on this cloudy, dismal day, I can’t help but think of some great quotes as well as some fabulous song lyrics that fit the view that I see. Songs and poems come to mind that flow beautifully even with the overcast sky above. It also reminds me that the sights and colors that may seem bleak to many are actually vibrant and bright in my glamour collection. This goes far beyond the colors in my 64 pack of Crayola crayons as well. There are hues that only Mother Nature can create. Nature’s beauty seriously takes my breath away.

With the ever-changing weather in my neck of the woods, let me give you a little insight into what I’m seeing outside my window today, and how it relates to the products that I am partial to when I see them. I’ll even throw in a nice quote or song lyric to make it a bit more fun:

WetRedLipstick* Wet Brick* – “The rain stains the brick a darker red” gives you a great visual. It is a line from a song by singer/song writer Ani DiFranco. It’s definitely not the most uplifting song, but it gives you images you can’t erase. Looking across the lot from my window shows me that color in all its glory. A dark, rich, warm red with almost a charcoal undertone with a feeling of gloom. That’s the color. Is it easy to find? Absolutely not. But is it beautiful to wear if you find it? Hell yeah. Especially in a lip color for the cooler seasons. Sassy’s find: Sephora’s Rouge Cream Lipstick in “Deep Brick Red”, $12.50. Sephora stores and Sephora.com

YellowNails*Yellow Maple Leaves *“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.” ~ Pablo Picasso. Wow, that makes you think, doesn’t it? The lemon-painted growth has left its home on the tree and fallen to a beautiful death to cover the ground in magnificent colors. The blanket of yellow leaves on the grass outside of The Loft covers the greens of the grass with a vibrant shade of yellow. Although the day is dreary, the color of the leaves warms the land with its intensity. No matter what the sky is doing, you can’t help but smile. Sassy’s find: Formula X Liquid Crystals Nail Polish in “Highlighter”, $12.50. Sephora stores and Sephora.com

GreenShadow*Green Pine Trees*“…your soul could never grow old, it’s evergreen.” That is from another great song, this one by Ed Sheeran. What a fabulous way to describe something that stays strong with time, never changing over the years. The intense, bold greens that give an earthly background to the other colors of the season create the perfect canvas to the bright shades pictured on it. This green is perfect for a smoky look with some color. Add a touch of glitter for a bit of pop. Sassy likes: Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in “Iggy”, $21.00. Sephora stores & Sephora.com

CloudShadow*Grey Fluffy Clouds*“Nature is a mutable cloud which is always and never the same.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson. I think this quote applies to so many things in life. Just when you think everything is going the same, it changes. Don’t get too comfortable on your path—you’ll see a detour soon enough. The same goes for fashion and for glamour. In fact, we have an entire WEEK—twice a year!—that tells us what changes are happening to the norm in this industry. And like the clouds that are outside my window right now, I’d be willing to bet they will change their shape, their color, their type, their size before I look outside at them again. A brilliant performance by a simple mass of condensed water, in colors from white to gray to black. Amazing! Sassy likes: Rimmel London’s Glam Eye Shadow Quad in “Smokey Noir”, $2.99. Ulta stores or Ulta.com

NYXGlitter*Shiny, Wet Pavement*“The road that leads to nowhere for others might just be the road that leads to somewhere for you!” ~ ildan. Wow, I can seriously relate to that one! Most people cringe when they realize they need to drive at night during a rainstorm. You can’t see the lines on the road, the pavement is blacker than black. This morning, the road outside the loft was still wet from the rain last night, but it had a slight shine and glimmer to it. A gothic gloom with a hint of glitz. Yeah, that works. It was definitely dark, even during the day. It was the kind of look I love in a good eyeliner. Especially one that can withstand water and rain–which is what I will be facing today. Sassy likes: NYX Slim Sparkle Eye Pencil in “Black Sparkle”, $3.49. Ulta stores and Ulta.com

This is a just a little taste of what life looked like outside of the window of The Loft this morning. It may not have been the brightest, most sunny of days but it still conveyed a mood, a feeling with its colors and contents. It is nice to look into my glamour drawer and see items that remind me of the beautiful things that can surround me every day or at any given time, no matter what the season. I encourage my readers to step outside of their box once in a while and look at products in shades that they may not normally wear but still look amazing. Just look around–if nature can capture the beauty of these colors and hues, why can’t you?

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Sassy Girl, Sassy Stuff!

16 May

Today, I ventured outside of the four walls of my room and decided to rock a sassy look with a sassy mood, something I’ve been missing for quite a while. I am slowly coming out of my change-of-seasons funk and feeling a little like my old spunky self. Today was the perfect cure for what ailed me. I broke out a new pair of shoes, threw my hair up in a messy bun, grabbed an edgy outfit complete with rhinestones and studs, and headed out on the town, sunroof open…windows down.

I put on my favorite tunes in the car, picked up my daughter and went to do some grocery shopping as well as get my girl a haircut. It was a gorgeous day and anyone in their right mind could not feel revived out on a day with such pristine conditions. It was fabulous.I wasn’t overly thrilled that she wanted to cut about 3” off the length of her hair, however (I love her long hair) but she wanted something less “frazzled” and demanding for the warmer weather. That I can’t argue with.

While out and about, I was thrilled to get compliments on a few of my fashionista choices that I wore today. That always makes me feel good. Sometimes the item cost me less than a dollar from a thrift store. Sometimes it was the cost of a car payment… or two. No matter what the price, I truly believe it is HOW you wear it—with confidence and pride—is what really turn heads. So what got Sassy noticed today? Let’s see:

1) My hair. It’s beginning to drive my daughter nuts how often I’ll get complimented on my hair. I was born a natural redhead, but the older I got, the browner my hair became. When I reached “29+” I decided to bring out more of the auburn red side of my hair. And since then it’s been getting redder and redder and redder. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it is out there! And it is SOOOOOOOO me! It has definitely become my distinguishing feature. What’s even better? I do it myself! I’ve mastered how to color it on my own, have found a shade that I love and the right products to keep it gorg! Sassy’s Picks: Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in R3 (Light Intense Auburn) and L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free shampoos and conditioners (Most drug stores, $6.99-$7.99)

2) My shoes. I have a few…. very few…. pairs of shoes that I have spent a lot of money on. To me, “a lot” is over $100. When it comes to shoes, it is all about the hunt. To find the classiest, most stylish, en vogue pair of shoes for the least amount of money possible. I watch sales, I hit consignment shops, and I do a lot of research. One of my favorite places to get shoes is Marshalls department store. They carry name-brand footwear for a fraction of the price. And if you are lucky to get a pair on a markdown, you are golden. Today, I wore a pair of gladiator sandals that I found at Marshall’s a few months back with a gift card I had gotten. A women at the hair salon came running over to me swooning over my shoes. “I saw those on TV last night! Are those the ones?” I told her I wasn’t sure since I didn’t see the show she was talking about. “Those cost $150!!! Did you spend $150????” I smiled and said, “No, I only paid $39.99 at Marshall’s.” I then became her fashion hero. She thought I had the most stunning shoes she’d ever seen for a fraction of the designer price. Yeah… I was proud! Sassy’s Pick: BCBGeneration Silver Gladiator Sandals (Marshalls, $39.99)

3. My bracelet. Bracelets are my newest accessory addiction. I have very skinny wrists, but they don’t look as thin when I wear big, bold, chunky bracelets. I have one with a watch charm on it, one with removable charms that my kids gave me, and several sterling silver ones with various gemstones. Lately, though, I have been into sparkly bracelets. Ones with lots of glitz and glimmer and really stand out on their own. About a month ago, Macy’s had a clearance on some of their jewelry and had several stunning bracelets by Nine West. Now it’s no secret I am a fan of Nine West shoes and purses, but I had no idea they had awesome jewelry too! This one bracelet really caught my eye since it was dark, almost black, but was actually a midnight blue. It’s perfect to take any casual jeans outfit to the next level. The girl that cut my daughter’s hair noticed it immediately and had to know where I had found it. I told her but said there probably weren’t any left. She didn’t care, she was going to go looking anyways because she loved it so. I hope she lucks out… it IS an eye-catching accessory. Sassy’s Pick: Nine West Triple-Strand Sparkle Bracelet (Macy’s, $8.99)

So you see? I’m coming around. It only takes a few good days to lift the spirits and let the fashionista in me run free. Tomorrow I have to take a trip to my daughter’s school so that will give me another reason to sass myself up. I will have to raid the closet tonight and see what poor fashion items need to get out and get a shot at the “big time”. I can imagine it’s lonely being so chic yet so hidden all the time!

“When In Doubt, Wear Red”

3 Apr

I get up with my daughter in the morning to make sure she gets off to school okay. While she’s in the bathroom straightening her hair, curling her lashes, or body spritzing from head to toe, I am in the living room checking all of my social networking sites for any news or updates that happened overnight. Today while checking Twitter, someone who I follow typed this simple statement: “Good morning everyone! Make it a great day by wearing red lipstick!” Seemed simple enough but it stuck with me. Especially since red isn’t one of the popular colors in my wardrobe and makeup ensemble. Love it on my nails, but for clothes and lips? I always question if it the best color for me.

But I wanted to make it a great day, so when I got up after dozing back up off for a few hours, I grabbed myself a pair of jazzy jeans, a lightweight red top and a pair of black flats. Now, I had the right colors with my clothes, the next was the makeup! When I usually wear red, its a very NEUTRAL red. Not a cool red with blue hues, not a warm red with yellow/orange/brown hues. Straight up neutral red. I tend to wear very neutral makeup. Fair ivory foundation, a neutral peachy-pink blush, and a light silver shadow on the eye with deep black liner and mascara. Oh, but how about those lips? What do I pick when I want a good, long lasting, not too bold red lip? Let’s see:

L’Oreal Infallible Plumping Lip Gloss in Plumped RedI love L’Oreal’s Infallible lip glosses. They have a great applicator, the scent/taste is actually nice, and the color is long wearing… up to 6 hours! It’s almost more like a liquid lip color than a sticky gloss. The plumping part for me is just an extra since I have full, pouty lips to begin with. It was more the color I liked about this gloss than anything else. It’s a true, bright, red gloss that moisturizes while it colors. And it DOES color… hour after hour, keeping my lips soft, tasty, and sexy with this shiny shade. Taking a chance with a red lip color is a gutsy move… and this is the one that definitely works for me!

Avon Shine Attract Lipstick in Passionate RedThis is a new item to Avon’s makeup line, and I think they might have hit a home run with it. The concept is unique: take a great shade of lipstick and surround it in a clear, moisture-infused gloss for one great tube of color with ton of shine and conditioners. When I ordered this, I have NO IDEA what possessed me to order it in red. But now? I’m so glad I did. The shade is very neutral, and with the high shine, it keeps it looking more like a light lip tint than a heavy, thick lipstick. It is a great balance between hydrators, gloss and color. It is easy to put on, lasts a good amount of time, and keeps my lips feeling silky smooth. The color isn’t over powering, and the taste/scent is tolerable. If I wanted something light and silky for everyday wear? This is a great red lip color to turn to!

So today was red day for me. I’m glad I stuck to my Twitter’s suggestion and wore a color that lifted my spirits and made me step outside of my comfort zone. Red is definitely a color to reach for on days that you need a boost. I guess I should listen to the famous Bill Blass when it comes to days such as these:


“When in doubt, wear red.”

…With A Cherry On Top

23 Mar

I hate cherry flavored anything. Lollypops, cough syrup, popsickles. Blech. Not for me. But when we go beyond the flavor and get into the color? That’s a different story. My “taste” for cherry fashions is extrodinauire! My love for cherry-colored makeup is mind boggling! And cherry-colored accessories? Oh man, get me a chair, I have to sit down. With the spring season upon us, there couldn’t be a better time to show off this fabulous “out there” color.

In my book, cherry comes in three shades. Let’s break them down, shall we?:

Maraschino – You know, you order the hot fudge sundae with the cherry on top? That’s the color I’m talking about. Not a true red, more on the dark pink, cool hued side. It screams warm weather. Perfect for lips, nails and toes. You can even find some tres chic clothing that will really stand out in that color as well. Don’t miss out on this shade because you might think it’s too bold. It’s not…. it’s hot and it’s now! My favorite item: Milani Nail Laquer in Cherry Pie

True Cherry Red — This doesn’t differ too much from apple red, maybe just a bit darker. It is a neutral shade so it can go with anything. Perfect for the office, slamming for a night on the town. Dress up your blue jeans or turn heads in your black evening attire. No matter what you are wearing, there is a good chance if you are looking for some color, a good neutral cherry red will fit your need. My favorite item: Avon’s Shine Attract Lipstick in Cherry Pie

Black Cherry — Oh, this color is HOT! In clothes, shoes, accessories or makeup, this is one color that stands out on it’s own. Leaning way over to the deep cool shades, this purplish shade with a cherry red undertone keeps it looking mysterious yet sexy. Perfect for nightwear for the lips or all year round for nails and toes. Want to really give them a shocker? Use it as a liner for a smoky eye look with a ton of WOW! My favorite items: Pure Mineral EyeShadow & Liner in Black Cherry; Stilla’s Lip Glaze in Black Cherry

The fact of the matter is I am still not a fan of cherry “flavored” things. I LOVE the fruit and I’ll even do a bottle of Cherry Coke now and then. But that Robitussin cherry flavor? NO THANK YOU! So this fashionista is going to stick with the color this spring, not the flavor, and rock some killer looks….. with a cherry on top!!!!

I “heart” Red?……

12 Feb

It’s that time of the year that people in love simply adore and people that are single and/or on their own curse till the end of the month. It is the season of St. Valentine. It begins approximately one week after Christmas, choking you with endless teddy bears, flowers, hearts, chocolates, perfume, jewelry, lace and candies right up till the middle of February.  You begin to see the world through rose-colored glasses, and that’s only because you only see things that are the colors red, white and pink for almost two months straight.  Even as a happily married woman, totally in love with her soul mate, I happen to think this holiday can get a little overwhelming.

Not that all the hype and merchandising isn’t enough to process, but now you have to throw in three colors that are not fashion- and glamour-friendly in my wardrobe ensemble… AT ALL! As a flaming, auburn-haired girl with pale ivory skin, some colors do not look good on me. Cupid’s colors embrace almost all of them. My hair should be enough to speak to the masses that I am Valentine’s Day friendly. But no… they want more from me. They want me to embrace the red-hot color of love. Bah.

Because I promised myself this year to add new hues to my closet and makeup drawer, I thought there was no better time like this huggy-kissy holiday to do a little color infusion. “Bring on the red,” I said! So what did I find to kindle a little fire in my color scheme during this season of amore? Take a looksie…


**L’Oreal HIP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor in Turbulent**
In my quest to find a neutral red lip color that didn’t look too over-powering, I stumbled upon a brand of lip color that I have had good luck with in the past. L’Oreal’s HiP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor goes on smooth with its sponge tip applicator, with highly pigmented color that will WOW most. Although the color was a bit too bright for me at first, I found a way to apply it with my own lip brush and blend it in a bit more. I then topped it with a light beige frosted gloss which subdued it slightly. I think this specific shade is being discontinued where I bought it because I found it for 75% off. A sexy steal for only $3.75 at CVS, but it will surely be missed.


**Milani Nail Lacquer in Ruby Jewels**
One thing I have never been afraid of is red nail color. I think it is the one shade that goes with anything and everything, and never goes out of style. There is only one problem with my red nail polish: I wear the same shade all the time. Flat, matte, hooker red. Traditionally stylish, but nothing out of the ordinary. This Valentine’s Day, however, I decided to pick out a red that had a bit of pizazz. This specific Milani nail color caught my eye from a distance, even on the shelf amongst all the other polishes. The deep red glitter polish reminds me of Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz. Hmmm. Maybe this would be the perfect nail polish to wear on a blind date! Then if it doesn’t go so well, you could tap your nails on the bar and say, “There’s no place like home….?” Or not. This magical nail lacquer was found at CVS for just $4.50.


**bebe for 90210’s Silk Voile Ruffle Top**
I wish I could take the credit for daring to step out of my comfort zone when I bought this top, but I can’t. The fact is, I won it! bebe ran a contest where pieces of their newest collection were shown on the television show 90210 (for which the collection is named.) The first Twitter follower to Tweet about the pieces won one of them. I’m a sucker for a contest so I chimed in right away. And voila… the winner was me! The spring top is gorgeous. A very feminine silk top with rouched sleeves and an asymmetrical ruffled neckline. And the color? Bright true red! The top is so versatile that it can be worn dressed up with a black pencil skirt and pumps, dressed down with capris and flip flops, or worn casual chic with skinny jeans and peep-toe shoe booties. Now available at select bebe stores or online at bebe.com for $79.

American designer Bill Blass was once quoted as saying, “When in doubt, wear red.” I doubt he had a redhead in mind when he said those words. Regardless, I have elected to ease into my new-found red fashions and accents. A lipcolor here, a nail polish there, a splattering of crimson in my closet. And although I’m not ready to completely dive head-first into a glamour routine with endless scarlet treasures, I will stick with a few things that I know suit me quite nicely: red roses, Red Hot candies, and red strawberries… dipped in chocolate of course!