Summer Eye Candy: Focus on Forever 21

I am a firm believer that accessories make an outfit.  A plain, old tee and jeans can be completely transformed by a statement necklace and fun shoes.  And what better way to update your seasonal look on a budget than scooping up some of-the-moment pieces for less?

My go-to is always Forever 21.  For every major jewelry trend, F21 has their own version - and it's guaranteed to be stupid cheap.  The online site is the only way to go, as their stores tend to be a disorganized hodgepodge reflecting only a fraction of their website's wares.

Some items I snagged to bring my 2012 summer wardrobe up to date?

I love, love, love the look of the tribal bib necklace - the level of detail on each charm is sick, and I'm really excited to try a shorter necklace since most of my pieces are 30+ inches.

I also love the shattered cuff since I still get very weird about wearing gold and silver together (it always seems like a faux pas to old-fashioned me, like the other now-appropriate fashion combination of black and brown).  I scooped up two that I plan to wear stacked on one wrist, and will mix metals, too, in my ring/earring choices.

One of my favorite pieces?  The chain necklace with pearls.  I debated this one for a bit due to the almost $13 price tag (still affordable, but, really, Forever 21?), and absolutely adore it in person.  I already got to try it out with a black, batwing Dries Van Noten tee (thank you, Beacon's Closet), fuchsia skinny jeans, and a moonstone Rings Eclectic piece, and it totally tied the look together - edgy + sweet.

And who doesn't love a cheery, yellow necklace?

Still on my radar? These two filigree clamper bracelets.  Rhinestone encrusted items can be hit or miss, but these seem just too perfect to pass up.

Forever 21 is just one of my many online haunts - where do you find the best accessory scores?


Come visit me on Twitter and Pinterest!

http://twitter.com/thispieslife

http://pinterest.com/thispieslife/


Pointed tribal bib necklace, Forever21.com
Marbled bead necklace, Forever21.com
Shattered cuff, Forever 21.com
Chains & pearlescent necklace, Forever21.com
Filigree hinge bracelet, Forever21.com
Filigree pearlescent hinge bracelet, Forever21.com

Lip Stain: Miracle Product Or A Sham?

I have to wake up for work at 6:00 AM to make it to work by 8:45 AM.  Every morning.

My beauty routine as a result?  Virtually non-existent.

So when my friend mentioned finding success with a relatively new lip stain on the market, I was intrigued - will this perk up my look in a hurry?

Available in 10 shades, the stains are packaged like a marker, with a chunky balm on the opposite end for all day shine.  Inspired by Cameron Diaz's interview in this month's In Style magazine, I selected 'Passion,' a hot pink hue.



At first, Passion went on great.  The pink was just vibrant enough without making me feel clownish, and the color does truly last for hours on end.

The downfalls?  The balm fell off.  Real fast.  I had read reviews prior to my purchase that indicated this was an issue, but figured it wouldn't happen to mine if I was extra careful.  Wrong!

Also an issue?  I've been using it pretty regularly for 2 weeks and the color seems to be fading from the marker - I find I have to use more to get that pretty sheen I initially so adored.  At around $8.99 a stain, do I really want to have to replace my color so frequently?

The verdict: Although the color is smashing and it does last for ages, I suspect I will not continue on with this brand.

But so many other options to try!  Next up, Covergirls' Outlast?  Or dare I bypass all the drugstore fare and go lux with Benetint, an old standard?

Experiment time!