Review - Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick #22 Paris

I am not a huge make-up person.  I don't wear a lot and I'm not good with experimentation or pushing the boundaries on color.  I just don't have the face for it.  So I typically go for pretty colors and simple looks.  I love mascara and a good lipstick and gloss.  I have recently started trying out the L'oreal Studio Secrets primer, maybe dot on some Prescriptives custom base (which I've been using for 15+ years) and a dusting of translucent powder.

I don't spend a lot on eyeshadow or powder, etc., but I do like to splurge a bit on lipstick.  And my favorite is Chanel.

As you can see, I have quite a few.  The big problem is that I tend to fall in love with a shade and then find out it was a seasonal limited color and have to try and find replacements. Then I hoard the little amount I have left, doling it out only on special occasions. 

The most recent color I fell for was the Chanel Rouge Coco #22 "Paris".  

I saw this vibrant, almost fuchsia, pink on Sandra Bullock at the Oscars this year and had to track down that pink.

There was quite a run on the color but I eventually got my tube.. and it is bright!

Check out the cute commercial with Vanessa Paradis

The range comes in colors from browns to pinks to corals perfect for the looks seen in the Spring 2011 shows.  I may go and check out the brownish-pink "Mademoiselle" and just got the coraly-red #58 "Audace" (to be reviewed soon).

I find this color to be very intense going on out of the tube.  It's soft and moisturizing but not overly creamy.  This color has a real shine to it.  It's not shimmery at all. 

When I combine this with my bright red hair it's kind of a contrast, so I like to blot it.  You still get quite a good pink but not so in your face.  I can stop there if I want to keep a matte look but I usually layer this with a darker toned lipstick or top with a slightly more coral gloss.

 

Blotted only

This time I topped the Paris with the Chanel Glossimer #197 "Gazelle", which is a shimmery peach.

With "Gazelle" Glossimer

I luvvvv the Glossimers too! My favorite is #15 "Spark".

 

 I find it challenging to buy make-up, especially lipstick.  The tube never gives you a real look at the color or the feel or the application.  They need to sell more mini-tubes like perfume samples so you could wear it a time or two before you commit.

I've received a few samples of products including toners, lotions and nail polish, as well as a few new make-up items I've bought.  I plan on doing more reviews so keep an eye out for the Bubblegum Plastic banner.

Packing Prints

I'm new to the love of Liberty of London, the purveyors of all things printed, floral and lovely.

But they have totally targeted my weakness... luggage. And not just luggage, but small little cases covered with sweet, sweet floral prints.

I have way too many suitcases and mini-travel cases. I really do not need this but, they are very hard to resist!

Liberty of London Print suitcases - £60.00

English Summer cloud and raindrop necklace

Bubblegum Plastic is where we talk about all the other fun stuff... where I try to think about more than just shoes!

I love cute little whimsical necklaces, especially from the talented folks on Etsy. When I was browsing around the other day, I saw this sweet cloud and rain necklace from Mixko.

The piece is about 4" from the top of the little felted cloud to the bottom crystal raindrop.

Even though it is a raincloud, it's a happy little cloud with sparkly blue raindrops. So it makes you smile!

English Summer rain and cloud necklace - $30 from Mixko on Etsy. She also has an adorable rainbow necklace and some delicate butterfly rings that I love too. Check her out!

New Changes

You are noticing the changes here, I'm sure. Or at least I hope so!

I'm hoping to bring Bubblegum Plastic into the Shoe Daydreams world a bit more, so I'm going to be posting updates in both places.

If you just want the cute accessories, Bubblegum Plastic is your spot! But I'll also be bringing this content into Shoe Daydreams as a part of the whole.

Thanks for dropping by!

Luv
Poochie

The choice of a new generation

There is little to no doubt that I am giddy for the new iPhone 4G. Better display, more functional interface, additional features plus Face Time!



But now I need to really decide - black...



or white?



They are both slick and have a gorgeous look. I'm torn torn torn! Black is more edgy and techy but white is so clean and slick. I leaning towards the white one and it will go with my current case and computer bag.

Now I just need to get the hubby on it too so we can video chat.

Tickled Pink

I am not a purse or bag person. I like don't covet the latest "it" bags and I don't have a huge amount of purses. I'm also pretty picky about what I look for in a bag. I like a classic shape in an interesting color.

I don't want it to be too huge and I usually prefer to carry it on my arm rather than over my shoulder. I don't like soft-sided bags; I actually want them to have some structure to them.

I have a few small bags and clutches but they rarely get used and are usually vintage. Most of the purses I own I keep for years and years and tend to be very lazy about changing them out. I carried my Emerald Alto bag for 2 years straight. The color range for my day-to-day purses includes emerald green, dark orange, sky blue, white and a croc brown. In the Fall I was thinking about a black patent but didn't findy anything I really wanted so that's by the wayside for now.

But for some reason I'm really considering pink.

I started out looking at this pink Emily Satchel from Coach.



It has a great shape, just the right amount of detailing, is the right size and gives the options of carrying on your arm or over your shoulder.



But I wanted to see what non-leather options were out there too. I don't really go purse shopping that much so I thought this would be a great opportunity to see what's out there.

I started out at Matt and Nat, purveyors of some of the best, most stylish vegan bags around. After searching by color I found this cutie - the Tundra-Stellar. It's also a good size and very cute. A bit more of an edge than the Emily but you could carry this to work and out afterwards.



If you are a bit more casual, I think the AstroSatchel's Cherry Blossom messenger is the cutest. This line has a ton of fun graphic designs.

I branched out into more vibrant pinks with this larger Verena satchel. I love the buckles on the end. Plus it comes in five equally eye-catching colors.

The Morgan has a bit of the "doctor-bag" shape to it, which I really like. It was tempting to show it in the gorgeous dandelion versus the raspberry, plus there are two other colors!

If I still want a patent bag in the Fall, I'm coming right back for this Mariah design. It's hard to choose between the amazing colors. The maroon and olive ones here are my favorites but there is also a stunning sapphire and a dark grey. Plus it's under $50, if you can believe that.

As I was searching for vegan options, I found these amazing Vegan Queen pieces. These are expensive but they are amazing. I first spotted the Eco It Bag, as bowling bag shaped piece with vintage hardware...

But then I was stunned by the City Bag. This piece is decadent and simply gorgeous. As I said, I'm not an purse girl but this almost makes me reconsider.

Well, we ended on a high (priced) note but most of these are very resonable, plus vegan, plus CUTE! Have you seen any I should add to the list? Make me into a purse girl too.

; )

In Need of a bit of Whimsy

Emotionally it's been more clouds than sunshine around here. So when I was on Etsy the other day and saw this adorable and clever necklace I realalized that a bit of whimsy was just what I needed to brighten my day.



I love the unique and clever idea of making the clouds from rolled jersey and the tiny ceramic blue bird perched there.



I can't wait to pair this with a breezy dress and tees for Summer.

Check out all of the other adorable pieces in the collection - LoveAndDream on Etsy.

Sparkle Sparkle Joy Joy

It cracks me up that as I'm watching old episodes of L.A. Ink with the hubby that almost all of the jewelry the girls wear on the show is Tarina Tarantino.  Cute tattoo-ed girls love the sparkly goodness of her designs.

I only have one tiny tattoo myself but I've been a big fan of her crystal pave heart necklaces and was actually searching them up on her store and eBay just this week.  Luckily they were part of the ideeli sale and I was able to nab my two favorite colors for about half the regular price. Wooo hooo!

Jet:

Fuschia:

Sadly they won't arrive until mid-April but that will be okay because I plan on wearing these a lot!

Trick the Eye - Chanel Trompe L-oeil Tattoos

While I was not (and am still not) enamored with the Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 clogs, I did fall in love with the overall aesthetic... especially the use of the temporary tattoos on the models.



They added an unexpected layer of frill, froth and girliness and I was a smitten kitten.

So when I found out they were releasing a limited edition set... well... you know those are some of my favorite words.

The kit comes with 55 tattoo components so you can "build your own" look.

To test them out I started off small with a pear bracelet and logo combination.

The tattos were fun and easy to apply and are still going strong, which was almost a week ago. They're a great way to add a layer or wear jewelry when you don't want to wear real jewelry because it might get damaged or lost. I can't wait to mix these in with other bracelets or necklaces.

The set is $75 and you can order them by calling the Chanel counter at Bergdorfs - 212 872 2779 or via the Chanel website.

How would you wear them?

Keep Me Covered: Tights on Gilt

As you probably know, I'm a huge fan of tights. Solid colors, patterned, lacy, you name it.

I've been asked before where I get my tights and while I do keep an eye out all time time, I do have a few favorites. Check them out here.

But I need to add a new resource to the list... Gilt!

I have recently found some really cute tights on the site, marked down, and was able to snatch a few of them up before they sold out.

I grabbed a pair of these matte black tights with grey diamonds from the Valentino & Wolford collaboration. Wolford tights are typically around $50+ but they are so well made. I have a pair I bought over 10 years ago and they are still in perfect condition.



These are pretty subtle and can easily be worn at work.



I have a real fondness for pin-striped tights and these Cynthia Rowley tights have a great taupe and blue stripe.

These are also Cynthia Rowley and even cuter in person. I wore them on a client trip paired up with a basic black top and pencil skirt. The tights added a layer of interest and had a bit of sparkle as well.

Remember, you don't have to limit yourself to just muted colors, have some fun with it!

If you don't have an account on Gilt, or the other shopping sites, click here and check out the latest deals:

Invite to Gilt

Invite to Rue La La

Invite to Ideeli

Invite to Haute Look

Happy Shopping!

Spikes and Sparkles: nOir Stack Pyramid Rings

Spike encrusted accessories seem to be my new thing. I'm trying not to go overboard, but I just can't seem to help myself.

When I heard nOir jewelry was on Gilt, I immediately downloaded the iPhone app and snatched this set of mixed metal spike rings. Luckily I was able to get a set because I know a number of other blogging ladies were excited about these too! I think we have a photo planned.



The mixed metal set is glamorous and shiny and sparkly in person. I had bought a size 7 set to wear on my middle finger but I found them to run pretty small. I wasn't the only person to find that to be true. I would say mine fit a size 5.5 or 6 rather than a typical 7.



Because they ran small I was wearing them on my ring finger and I have to say, these would make a kick-ass wedding set. When I stack them I've been wearing the wide silver band topped with the gold band then the rhinestone band.




Not that these are a very expensive set. Their regular price is only $60.

nOir has a ton of other necklaces, bracelets and rings ranging from more studs to crystal encrusted animals. I love the quality of my rings so I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for them on Gilt again.

If you don't have an account on Gilt, or the other shopping sites, click here and check out the latest deals:

Invite to Gilt

Invite to Rue La La

Invite to Ideeli

Invite to Haute Look

Happy Shopping!