Holiday Fashion Idea! FRAAS: The Scarf Company [review]

FRAAS has introduced a line of scarves perfect to accessorize with any outfit. The bold print is not the only great thing about these scarves, they're Cashmink®! Soft and beautiful like cashmere only better! 

Cashmink® the product of years of innovative technological development. V.Fraas patented these amazing results in order to exclusively bring you the finest possible textile accessory – cashmink®. These modern advances enabled us to create the most comfortable synthetic accessory whose softness, warmth, and functionality outperforms every natural fiber. What could possibly be finer than cashmere? Cashmink® is actually. The cashmink® fiber is finer than any natural fiber and is in fact 20% finer than cashmere. You can truly feel the difference. Its incomparable softness and optimal thermal insulation provide the highest level of warmth and comfort. In short, cashmink® feels wonderfully cozy and soft against the skin. 

I have to admit that I'm generally not one to wear scarves(I only own 3). The FRAAS Cashmink scarf is really soft and comfortable, I've found myself wearing it more than I thought I would! They're a great quality buy at $30-40!

Bright, bold patterns and colors are great with an all-black ensemble. 

FRAAS is working on a consumer-friendly site, but you can still find FRAAS Cashmink Scarves online! You can find Fraas Cashmink Scarves at Bon-Ton, Boscov's, Amazon.com and private labels at Dillard's and Lord & Taylor.

What is YOUR favorite way to wear a scarf? Let me know in the comments!

I RECEIVED A FRAAS SCARF FREE OF CHARGE IN ORDER TO REVIEW THE PRODUCT AND SHARE MY OPINION WITH YOU. MY OPINIONS ARE 100% MY OWN AND ARE IN NO WAY INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY. FOR MORE INFO ON MY PR and REVIEW POLICIES CLICK HERE.

The Chocolate Astronaut: one-of-a-kind, hand made jewelry! [Review] #myFABsponsors

retail: $14.99

Bethany is a spunky, cool and creative college student and creator of the Chocolate Austronaut (aka) 'The Choconaut' shop at Etsy. She even writes a her own personal blog! (check it out here)

Her creations are fun, one of a kind, eye-catching pieces and I am so glad to have had The Choconaut as one of #myFABsponsors at BlogWorld Expo this year.

Here's me getting ready to head out of my hotel room for a fun day of learning, networking and of course I had to be properly accessorized! The Silver Owl Necklace was the perfect piece for the weekend, easy to combine with different outfits and so unique!

I got so many compliments at BlogWorld on this necklace.

There are so many great accessories you're sure to love including a selection of totally cute bow-tie necklaces!

retail: $12.00

But the fun doesn't stop there! :) 

Bethany makes handmade earrings, hair accessories and more.

Shop the Choconaut at Etsy! :)

Give Your Fashion Some High Fashion #SearsKenmore

10 tips for weaving the hottest runway trends into your day-to-day looks!

Of course we'd all love to walk through our daily lives as stylish as the runway models! The truth is you can, and you don't have to spend a fortune. Incorporating these tips can help you bring some high fashion to your daily style.

1.  Re-fashion: Try layering, or having something altered. You don't have to give up on an item...just try it a different way.
2.  Accessorize: Add accessories to your wardrobe. You don't have to go overboard, (I'm not a huge accessorizer myself) just be simple! Find stylish pieces that you can coordinate with many outfits. Try adding a belt with a tunic top for a little flair or a long necklace with a sweater-dress in the Fall/Winter.
3.  Find Inspiration: I have a 'subscription' to each of my favorite stores' catalogs. I rarely order from them, but rather use them to get outfit ideas. See 'what goes with what' and how you can combine and coordinate yourself.
4.  Share and Share-Alike: Does your girlfriend have a top you absolutely love? Maybe you have a pair of jeans that look better on her! (C'mon...be honest you know they do.) Swap! Trade! It may not be 'new' but as my dad used to say "it's new to you!" Oh, and guess what else? Totally FREE :)
5.  Social Media: Follow your favorite stores on Twitter or 'Like' them on Facebook. You'll be alerted when there's a sale as well as get exclusive deals and sometimes even contests!
6.  Realistic Fashion Icons: Dressing for your body type is important. If you want to mimic celebrity fashion, find a celeb with your body type and see how they dress. Celebrities have so many people styling them, you're sure to get some great ideas. (Lady Gaga doesn't count.)
7.  Classic: If all else fails...go classic. Look at fashion trends from the 50's, 60's, 70's and see what strikes you. It's really more about learning new combinations.
8.  "LBD": Ah yes, the little black dress is the absolute fashion staple. It is appropriate in both high-fashion and semi-formal situations as a beautiful classic piece. Use your accessories to accentuate...especially with a black dress try red heels!
9.  Go 'Vintage' in your own closet: Dig through your closet for things you no longer wear. Try them on again and play dress-up for a while! Combine them with newer things in your wardrobe and you may be pleasantly surprised.
10.  Shop Clearance: Everywhere I go, I shop the clearance rack FIRST! You would be surprised and the gems you find if you shop clearance. Some things may be out of season but in that case you're shopping ahead of time!

Do you already do these things in your daily life? What other tips would you add? Tell me in the comments!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Kenmore blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here


More info: http://www.kenmore.com

Twitter: @mysears

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kenmore

@CharmedValerie Inspired 'Style Pile': A Fashionista's Meditation

First I must say 'Gracias!' to Charmed Valerie for calling me out to do this post. Making a style pile of things I feel are representative of me and my style was a blast! 

I was unsure at first, but I think my style pile really is representative of me and who I am.

SOOO...what's in MY style pile?

1. HEELS: These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. How I got them is a long and ridiculous story involving a hurricane and other madness. They're sexy and chic, which I hope I am too! ;)

2. ZEBRA HAIR BOWS: These are one of my favorite hair accessories! I'm just a kid at heart I suppose and I've always loved wearing bows in my hair. 

3. MICKEY MOUSE: This big ol' thing has been with us since my son was about 18 months old. I don't know what possessed my hubby to buy it but at the time we got it, the toy was bigger than our son! They still sleep together & since I used munchkin's bed as my backdrop I left Mickey Mouse in peace. [side note - munchkin's room has the best natural light in the house]

4. SWEATER FROM BRASIL: LOVE this sweater! It's a boat-neck cut so I love to wear it 80's style to one side with a tank top underneath. The fact that it says RIO in sequins makes me feel ever so slightly glam when I wear it even though it's a sweater. LOL

5. FAUX LEATHER CROP JACKET FROM H&M: I just bought this jacket a few weeks ago and I can't get enough of it! :) It's faux-leather ad pretty 'bad-ass' looking if you ask me. I love the cut and it makes me feel put-together when I wear it. If you were at BlogWorld you definitely saw me rockin' it!

6. LBD (LITTLE BLACK DRESS) WITH LACE UPPER: Another AWESOME buy by yours truly. I like to think of myself as a $10 shopper...if it's $10 or under and relatively unique (or something classic) I buy it! This dress was $10 at a little random 'boutique' in our town. I actually saw it a week before buying it and the sales-lady told me it would be $10 the next week so I waited.

7. MAKEUP BRUSHES and NAIL POLISH: Need I say more? I am a makeup addict. If it's makeup, skin care or beauty related COUNT ME IN! Also, being a student, wife and working mama I rarely have the time to have my nails done professionally and AVON's nail polish is my favorite! It stays on at least 2 weeks and I mean with washing dishes, cleaning and all that good stuff!

8. MY VANS. These are a California wardrobe staple. Along with Chuck Taylors, Vans are my favorite sneaker. So comfy, simple and inexpensive. This red pair is my favorite because when I bought them the hubbs told me I was crazy and would never wear those bright red shoes. Boy was he wrong! I have worn this pair out and as you can see, I can't find the other one! Ooops...

9. BOOK and NERD GLASSES: I am a bookworm! I have always loved books. I guess being an only child, I read more than a lot of people I know. I would spend entire weekends in my room reading and have been known to stay up for days at a time upon getting my hands on the latest Harry Potter. The glasses...not mine & not prescription [haha] I just like them.

What would be 3 things in your style-pile?

Don't forget to check out Charmed Valerie's original Style Pile post!

BlogWORLD Here I come! and thanks to #myFABsponsors

I will be bringing you a series of reviews in an unconventional way.
If you are going to BlogWorld, and even if you’re not I’m hoping you’ll enjoy this series of reviews! While at BlogWorld, I’ll be ‘testing’ and ‘reviewing’ the products live via Twitter & ‘OOTD’ videos/posts.


The reviews will be posted along with giveaways as part of my BlogWold recap once I return.


In the mean time here’s a bit of info on each of #myFABsponsors and feel free to check them out online as well! [FAB=fashion and beauty]

These companies are already on Twitter, and hopefully soon Choconaut will also be!


Feel free to follow them:


@blue_platypus
@Kushyfoot

During BlogWorld Expo, whenever I refer to one of these glorious companies, I will use the hashtag #myFABsponsors


Are you going to BlogWorld? Let me know in the comments & let's MEET! :)

Mixed Chicks Hair Products Review and Giveaway WINNERS ANNOUNCED

WINNER ANNOUNCED! :)

#39

CONGRATULATIONS @SUPREMEVISION

curls on day 2!

I cannot even begin to describe how thrilled I am to bring you this review and giveaway!
Finding a great product for curly hair has always been a chore for me. Either the product is too thick and greasy or it’s too light and doesn’t define my curls well.


Growing up I was constantly frustrated by the frizziness of my curls, and my mother would tell me “women pay good money to have curls like yours!” I highly doubted it.


Since growing up and out of the house I’ve done it all from flat ironing daily to chemically straightening my hair because I never felt like I could really find a product that would allow me to wear my hair curly for more than a day.


You may have heard about Mixed Chicks products on the web, but weren’t sure about trying a new product. I can say this is definitely a product line worth trying!


Mixed Chicks hair products are 100% vegan and cruelty free, light-weight and leaves your curls soft to the touch.


Shampoo, Condition and Leave-In Conditioner are the 3 must have Mixed Chicks products for gorgeous, defined curls.


The soft definition lasts all day and well into the next! I have been wearing my hair in a high-ponytail at night, then letting it down and lightly wetting my hair in the morning to refresh my curls. I wore my hair curly and down for a week (this has never happened before)!

 

BUY IT!

Visit the Mixed Chicks Website

Products start at just $11.00 and it goes a long way!

WIN IT!

1 lucky reader will receive their very own Mixed Chicks goodie bag including the 3 core products: Shampoo, Conditioner & Leave-In and more :)

MANDATORY ENTRY:
You must be a public GFC follower of BoardingtheMOTHERship & visit the Mixed Chicks website, come back and leave a comment of your favorite product on their site. [+1 entry]


ENTRA ENTRIES: (please leave a separate comment for EACH entry)

• Follow Mixed Chicks Hair Products on Twitter [+3 entries]
• 
  
• Follow ME on Twitter [+3 entries]
• 
  
• Become a FAN / LIKE Mixed Chicks on Facebook [+3 entries]
• 
  
• Subscribe to my blog via e-mail on the right sidebar [+5 entries]
• 
  
• Check out Mixed Chicks on YouTube & comment about something you learned from their video [+3 entries]
• Daily Tweet: "Enter to WIN a @mixedchicks hair products gift set! http://bit.ly/95n2sP Giveaway ends 10/9 @gotmybenz" [+2 entries p/tweet] leave a comment with your status link.

This giveaway will end on October 9 @ 11:59pm PST. The winner will be selected via random.org and then notified via e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to get back to me otherwise a new winner will be selected.

I RECEIVED SAMPLES OF MIXED CHICKS HAIR PRODUCTS FREE OF CHARGE IN ORDER TO REVIEW THE PRODUCT AND SHARE MY OPINION WITH YOU. MY OPINIONS ARE 100% MY OWN AND ARE IN NO WAY INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY. FOR MORE INFO ON MY PR and REVIEW POLICIES CLICK HERE.

Fall 2010 ‘COLORful Series’ Eyeshadow Tutorial #2 [smoky plum]

I know it's been a bit, but here's tutorial #2!! (click here to see #1)
Don't forget to take the quick poll in my right sidebar please!------>



Purple is by far one of my favorite colors to wear in the Fall; all shades of it!
This look is a basic smoky look using a deep plum color rather than black or brown. TRY IT! Next time you need a deep color opt for a deep plum or blue rather than black or brown and you’ll get a beautiful and rich depth. It’s also a fun way to use color without being it too bold or otherwise unwearable.


Easy, wearable makeup is what I love!



Step 1: Apply a light base on your eyelids. - You can use any eyeshadow primer that you normally use or a light colored cream eyeshadow in any form (pot or pencil).

Step 2: ALL OVER LID – The all-over lid color used is nude - matte color. USE AN EYESHADOW BRUSH TO COVER YOUR LID WITH THIS COLOR.

Step 3: INNER CREASE – The next color is a medium purple. USE AN EYESHADOW BLENDING BRUSH TO SWEEP THIS COLOR IN YOUR CREASE. BLEND WELL AND BLEND INNER AND OUTER CORNERS OF EYE LID.
Step 3: OUTER CREASE/ OUTER ‘V’ – The next color is a dark plum. USE AN EYESHADOW BLENDING BRUSH TO SWEEP THIS COLOR IN YOUR CREASE. BLEND WELL AND BLEND INNER AND OUTER CORNERS OF EYE LID.

Step 4: HIGHLIGHT – Use a light white or cream colored shadow as your highlight color. USE YOUR BLENDING BRUSH TO APPLY YOUR HIGHLIGHT COLOR ACROSS  YOUR BROW BONE AND BLEND WELL.

Step 5: LINER – I used black eyeliner on the outer half of my lower waterline & upper lash line.


USE A SMALL SMUDGE BRUSH OR SHADOW BRUSH TO APPLY THE DEEP PLUM COLOR BELOW YOUR LOWER LASH LINE. (helps create depth of the eyes and hide any darkness under your eyes!)


Step 6: MASCARA – It’s your look’s finishing touch! Apply some mascara to both upper and lower lashes and you’re all done!

Fall 2010 ‘COLORful Series’ Eyeshadow Tutorial

Hello makeup addicts!
I’m finally doing my first eye makeup tutorial! I have been wanting to do this for quite a while and finally just jumped in!

Please let me know if I don’t describe things in an easily understandable manner.
This is the first of my Fall 2010 ‘COLORful Series’…since this Fall’s eye makeup trend is bold beautiful color!


Incorporating color to your daily eye makeup look doesn’t have to be overwhelming and I thought this look would be a great place to start. The looks in this series are all 'wearable' eye makeup looks! Some may be more appropriate for evening but none will be too overwhelming.


This tutorial (as well as the rest in this series) will be what’s known as “Use What You Have” tutorials. I will not be naming each product used, I will rather describe to you the color and texture and it’s up to you to use what you already have in your makeup collection that is similar.


I haven’t picked a name for this look, so if you have an idea please leave it in the comments! You can also ask me for any specific product name in the comments.




Step 1: Apply a light base on your eyelids. - You can use any eyeshadow primer that you normally use or a light colored cream eyeshadow in any form (pot or pencil).


Step 2: ALL OVER LID – The all-over lid color used is an orangey bronze color. The color I used is a velvety sheen, not a glitter but feel free to use whatever textures/finishes of eyeshadow that you prefer. USE AN EYESHADOW BRUSH TO COVER YOUR LID WITH THIS COLOR.


Step 3: FULL CREASE – The next color is a deep plummy (purple-ish) brown. If you have a deep purple color, that would be ideal. USE AN EYESHADOW BLENDING BRUSH TO SWEEP THIS COLOR IN YOUR CREASE. BLEND WELL AND BLEND INNER AND OUTER CORNERS OF EYE LID.


Step 4: HIGHLIGHT – Use a light white or cream colored shadow as your highlight color. USE YOUR BLENDING BRUSH TO APPLY YOUR HIGHLIGHT COLOR ACROSS  YOUR BROW BONE AND BLEND WELL.


Step 5: LINER – I used sliver eyeliner on my lower waterline & very carefully lined just below my lower lashes with the same orangey/bronze that I used on my lids. USE A SMALL SMUDGE BRUSH OR SHADOW BRUSH TO APPLY THE 1ST ORANGE COLOR BELOW YOUR LOWER LASH LINE.


Step 6: MASCARA – It’s your look’s finishing touch! Apply some mascara to both upper and lower lashes and you’re all done!

Hope you enjoyed! If you try out any of my tutorials I'd love to see a picture! 
Tweet it to me @GotMyBenz

The Best Beauty Buy of them ALL! [I love eyeshadow quads.]

This Fall it's all about beautifully bright colored lids! It's exciting that bright shadow is in because that means we get to experiment more with makeup! I'm a big fan of colorful makeup, but more than that I've realized my favorite thing in makeup is currently: the eye shadow quad.

The thing about the quad eyeshadow is it allows you to create a perfect look every time! You don't necessarily have to use all 4 colors each time, and no matter what you do the colors are complementary to one another so you can't really go wrong.

Almost every makeup brand makes an eyeshadow quad so they're easy to find and not expensive at all!

Here are a few of my favorites...I love the new colorful blue & purple quads for Fall.

More Ulta...

What's your take on colorful eyeshadow? Do you usually stick to the smoky look? Do tell! I [heart] comments!

MY favorite beauty tips from YOU

A few weeks back, I held a giveaway for a great at home beauty book called Babushka's Beauty Secrets. The mandatory entry was to leave your favorite quick beauty tip. I loved everyone's tips and wanted to share my top 5 favorites.


Thanks so much ladies! 

Here are my favorite beauty tips from YOU:


"Beauty tip...beauty tip, I got one. I almost always shave my legs with conditioner instead of shaving cream, this way when I get out of the shower after a shave my legs are already moisturized."  [Meg @ Through the Roses ]


"My beauty tip- wash your face in the morning and at night NO MATTER WHAT!!" [ Shonda @ The Knowlton Nest ]


"Tip: Put on makeup (such as foundation) from the bottom up. Don't pull skin down as it causes wrinkles sooner." [ Robyn @ Coolest Mommy ]


"my favorite tip - Vaseline on lips every night for nice soft lips" [ Carma @ Carma Sez ]


"I never leave home without at least mascara on, it just makes such a difference! Only takes a minute to apply & really brightens your face. I love the blackest black :)" [ Ginny @ Hey Gin ]



















Thanks again! Everyones tips were great! I love learning new things, share your favorite tips in the comments!

Orglamix Cosmetics Review & Giveaway

I was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to review Orglamix Cosmetics!

Finding inexpensive makeup that one likes is always a process, and if you're looking...I have found a glorious solution! Orlamix cosmetics are not only inexpensive, but excellent quality as well! 

Cheri clearly knows how to keep her customers loyal to Orglamix with this guarantee:

Zero Synthetic Ingredients: Orglamix products are proudly formulated without: nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or parabens. PETA approved. I GUARANTEE you will LOVE Orglamix, or your MONEY back.


I personally have been very impressed with Orglamix.

Blue

Pomegranate

I ordered the 2 eye colors above & both eye shadows have been a great hit! I've used them alone and combined them with other colors to create rich, bold looks. 

Roze Quartz (Mineral Glow)

The mineral glow is my new favorite product! For so long I have been searching for something like this...I had a more expensive product before that was similar but overall I cannot get enough of the mineral glow! It's a beatifully sheer golden color that I use as a highlight on my face and I brush a little along my collar bones & chest area when I'm wearing something open & it gives me a gorgeous all day glow!

Win It:

1 lucky lady will win 3 products of her choice from Orglamix pure organic mineral eye, blush, glow, foundation or color corrector!

[contest ends July 26, 2010 @ 12midnight PST]

#1. Visit the Orglamix shop & let me know what 3 products you'd want to win. (heart them on the store & comment with the colors here on my blog) - MANDATORY 1 entry

#2. Follow Orglamix on Twitter & follow Me on Twitter tweet the following: 

"I am entered to win 100% natural mineral makeup from Orglamix cosmetics! @hautebeauty @gotmybenz http://bit.ly/c9BQIb #orglamix" - 1entry each follow [+1 bonus entry per daily tweet & leave the url]

#3. Subscribe to my blog via RSS - 2 entries

#4. Subscribe to the Orglamix beauty blog via e-mail - 2 entries

#5. Become a FAN of Orglamix on Facebook - 2 entries

#6. Leave a comment on a non-review post on my blog & let me know in the comments - 2 entires

So many ways to enter & WIN! -- Good luck my lovelies!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry & don't forget to leave your email or profile info so I can notify you if you win. Good luck!

The winners will be selected via random.org and announced here as well as on Twitter & contacted via email. The winners will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

*I was sent three products from Orglamix free of charge so that I may try and share my opinions with you. This in no way affected my review. For more information on PR policies click here.