Beauty Bargain: Stila’s Shadow-Liner Duo Pencil Goes Drugstore-Friendly!

imageI’ve tested (and collected) enough makeup to know that not all beauty brands are created equal. But that doesn’t mean I don’t still compulsively hit up the Walgreens cosmetics aisle to scope out the latest bargain beauty loot! I mean, considering how much money I spend on makeup in the grand scheme of things, drugstore products are practically free (a terribly dangerous outlook, I know). Next up on my list of things I’m dying to test out is CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlasts ($7.99 at Ulta), a double-ended pencil with shadow on one end and liner on the other. It looks remarkably similar to Stila’s Convertible Eye Color pencil, which I’ve always wanted to try but I could never bring myself to shell out $22 for a eye pencil, even if it is 2 in 1. While they both come in a wide variety of coordinating color duos, the Stila version may provide a little more accuracy given that the pencil is thinner. But hey — the key ingredient to a smoky eye is just a dash of messiness after all, so I’m still leaning towards CoverGirl for a fraction of the cost! I think I can hold my hand steady enough to achieve the look for less just fine!

Do you have your own drugstore beauty secrets? Tell us about them in COMMENTS!

Hot In The Hive: Unearthen Digital Gold Watch in Gold

imageCall me old fashioned, but I love wearing watches and seeing other people wear watches too! Whether it’s either a digital watch with calculator straight from the 80s or even a vintage men’s Rolex, I love them all. I thought I’ve seen them all, but of course, I was proven totally wrong when I saw an incredible jewelry line called Unearthen. They take one-of-a-kind vintage watches and add a custom-cut pyramid crystal on top. The best part is that the wind up watches still work. I’m not sure if you’ll still be able to read time over that huge rock, but you’ll sure look fabulous. Whether you wear it alone or stack it with other metal bangles, this showstopper will go with the most casual or dressy outfits.

Price: $495
Who Found It: Krupik was the first to add the Unearthen Digital Gold Watch in Gold to the Hive.

Vintage Fashionistas Carry Their Cash In Style

imageSmart fashionistas know they should always calculate Cost-per-Wear (CPW) when deciding if a potential purchase is a good value. For instance, a top quality winter coat might cost more initially, but it should wear much better and last for far more years than its inferior quality cousin. So what at first glance seems like the bargain choice could actually cost you more to wear over the long run. Get it? CPW is an especially important consideration for those pieces you use frequently. And one of those frequently used pieces that is often given too little attention is your wallet. It never ceases to amaze me when I see a totally chic gal decked out perfectly from head-to-toe pulling out a ratty old wallet from a designer handbag. So why not grab one of these fab vintage wallets with price tags that will leave quite a few extra bills to tuck in the billfold and lower your CPW to a few pennies a day? Just click the slideshow to see the selection.

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Resolve To Get Organized In 2010 With Personal Organizers & Planners!

imageOne quick glance at my desk at home and it’s painfully clear that one of my New Year’s resolutions is to get organized. And sure, it’s easy to get motivated when it’s only the first week of January and I’m still in “fresh start” mode, but once the laziness kicks in it’s going to be a serious struggle to avoid reverting back to my old disheveled ways. That’s why I’m on the prowl for stylish ways to keep me efficient for 2010 — messenger bags, laptop cases, agendas, etc. After all, what better motivation to stay tidy than a brand new bag? And even if your list of resolutions is too long to include staying orderly (or maybe you’re already enough of a neat freak already), these picks are still practical additions to anyone’s shopping list. Check out the slideshow for my favorite get-organized buys for a neat-and-tidy new year!

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10 Stylish Sweater Dresses To Keep You Cozily Chic!

imageI love wearing dresses and just about anything that involves skipping pants. Especially when paired with boots, dresses, skirts and leggings are so much more comfortable than a pair of jeans. Yet, with the cold weather that we’re experiencing, it’s hard to throw on a breezy dress without also adding a bulky coat and multiple scarves to keep from freezing. A simple solution? Sweater dresses! They’re thicker and warmer so you can trade out that heavy coat for a lighter one, and keep a few scarves at home instead of piling them all on your neck. Pretty prints, saturated solids, or with long sleeves or none, sweater dresses come in a variety of looks and styles so you’ll be sure to find one that suits your personal taste and local weather! Just check out the slideshow to see some of my favorites!

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Bag Of The Week: Bloomingdale’s Iconic Storefront Canvas Tote

imageIf you’ve never been to New York City, I can give you tons of recommendations on stores to check out. On the top 3 are: Macy’s in Herald Square, the Prada store in SoHo and Bloomingdale’s at 59th Street. The first time I stopped in my tracks was in front of Bloomingdale’s as I stood in awe. The fabulous brands and styles to be found inside were no match for my wallet, but this tote is well within my budget! This tote will always remind me of the wonderful atmosphere of Bloomingdale’s and New York City. Plus, it’s big enough to fit my laptop, magazines, and even a change of shoes. So who needs another expensive “it” bag when you can have all of Bloomingdale’s in the crook of your arm?

What: the Bloomingdale’s Iconic Storefront Canvas Tote
Price: $30
Where to Buy: Bloomindale’s
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Bloomingdale’s Iconic Storefront Canvas Tote to the Hive.

Stylehive’s Stylescopes Help You Stay Stylish In 2010!

imageIt’s been cold lately and it’s going to stay that way for at least a little while longer. Nothing sounds better than hibernating under the covers until the sun makes an appearance again but with the 101 errands and responsibilities that we all need to take care of, snuggling bear-style is out of the question. The holiday season has just ended, so while things may not feel as hectic as they were a few weeks ago, getting back into the groove of everyday reality takes some adjustment. A quick look to the stars helps decipher what we’ll be getting into this week and what stylish cold-weather item would be a good idea to take along on these excursions. Maybe it’s a trendy and warm scarf that charming Gemini needs, or a sharp and versatile wool coat for comfort-loving Capricorn. Check out the slideshow and let Stylescopes and the stars help you find the perfect cold weather accessory for your week!

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Resolve To Get In Shape In 2010 With New Fitness Gear!

imageOne of my new year’s resolutions from 2009 was to take the stairs whenever possible instead of using escalators or elevators. My resolution worked out so well that I’m continuing to take the stairs for 2010! I guess I could be getting a gym membership, but I’m still way too self-conscious to work out in front of other people. (Don’t judge!) So to combat the post-holiday bulge, I’ve been looking for other simple and affordable fitness gadgets I can get. I love fitness balls since they’re so versatile but I hate the way they can slide around. That’s why the Danskin 3-in-1 Core Ball with Stabilizing Ring fits the bill. I threw in some other fitness accessories that are also useful like the Penguin 3-Pk Shoe Deodorizers that will turn your smelly sneaks into something a little more bearable. Take a look at my slideshow to see more!

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Which 2010 Beauty Trend Are You Most Likely To Try?

image2010 has finally arrived, and unlike our childhood predictions of what the future might be like, we do not commute via hovercraft, and clothing has not been replaced with chrome body suits (with the exception of Lady Gaga’s). We are, however, witnessing the emergence of beauty trends for the year ahead, and while they are certainly innovative, they’re not quite as spaceship-chic as our young imaginations might have planned . Robots haven’t completely replaced people yet, but high-tech beauty gadgets like Lancome’s vibrating foundation are bound to revamp the way we apply makeup… and make us lazier in the process. While we got a glimpse of “green” beauty last year, eco-friendly makeup is predicted to reach even higher popularity in ’10 (yay Earth!), while natural nail shades like “Particuliere” and “Inattendu” from Chanel’s latest color library are about to take over. And lastly, if you’re dying to give your tweezers a break, you may be relieved to hear that brows are going bold this year — could eyebrow extensions be next? Vote below on which beauty trend you’re most excited to rock in 2010!
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Video Style Steal: Leighton Meester is Stylishly Seductive In “Somebody To Love”

imageIf you’re not familiar with the fact that our favorite Gossip Girl Leighton Meester has been making a name for herself in the music scene, you need to get yourself out from under that rock! If not for the love of guilty pleasure tunes, then at least for the sake of scoping out her killer music video getups! But if you’re expecting preppy-chic Blair Waldorf style, you’re in for a rude awakening. Leighton leaves her buttoned-up TV alter ego for a more seductive style in mini dresses, over-the-knee boots, and plenty of blue eyeshadow and swaps Chuck Bass for Robin Thicke (lucky girl!). While the video is pretty provocative, some of the looks (that actually involve clothing) are pretty covetable… then again, Leighton could probably make even a cardboard box look splurge-worthy. Click “See Video” to watch “Somebody to Love,” then look at the slideshow for some wearable interpretations of the outfits! Photo Credit: Vh1.com

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