Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Rope Me In!

The Ropey was one of the first pieces I created. It's so chic, functional and versatile that it has become a customer favorite.

So, what would I wear with the ropey? Just about anything...but right now I'm really feeling this look for end of summer/early fall.

Laura Lace Dress - Delia's



Winnie Boot (I need these) - Coconuts via DSW




Richelle - Zoya via eNail Supply



Have a great Wednesday!

Mandi

Monday, August 16, 2010

Haul

Ok, I lied. I did not write a dedicated Bachelor Pad post last week (nor the week before) and I'm technically not going to tonight. I do have a few questions:
  • What exactly is this show? What is the point? Ok, I don't care...I'm still going to watch, but if I was expecting more (say, I was a stranger to the show), I would just turn the crap off immediately.
  • Why are they having romantic competitions and there is a girl with a boyfriend there? Oh yeah, to make it more scandalous. (By the time this blog went into production, Gia had already been sent home. So that answers that.)
  • Why is that Elizabeth girl (though beautiful) so crazy?
  • Why is Wes still singing the same song three years later?
  • Why is Melissa Rycroft only on camera about 10 minutes per show (I love her)?
  • Finally, why don't I just write bulletpoints...I really want to. I'm refusing (at least for now).
  • Wait, really quick - Ok, must admit...next week looks like it's going to be pretty, pretty good

To divert my attention away from giving in and writing bulletpoints, I'm going to do something I never do...post a recent haul from Ulta. I haven't totally spoiled myself in months, so I went a little crazy at Ulta last week.

I went in with my Buyers Rewards certificate, which was worth like $10. I spent a little more than that. Rundown of what I got...

Nail Polish:


  • Seche Clear - Crystal Clear Base Coat
  • OPI - Meet Me On The Star Ferry (Hong Kong Collection)
  • OPI - Lucky Lucky Lavender (Hong Kong Collection)
  • OPI - William Tell Me About OPI (Swiss Collection)
  • OPI - Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous (Swiss Collection)
  • OPI - Couture Collection Mini Set (FREE Gift with $10 OPI purchase!)

I've only worn Lucky Lucky Lavender on my nails and William Tell on my toes so far. I am obsessed with Lucky Lucky. So pretty. I have been matching my outfits to it (which is not hard since it's a creamy lavenderish-pink).

Eye Colors

So I went in hoping to only buy the new Urban Decay NAKED palette and get maybe a nail polish or two. The UD palette was sold out, so I figured I could go crazy with my second favorite eye makeup brand...NYX.


  • NYX Purple Smokey Eye Palette


  • NYX Bronze Smokey Eye Palette
  • NYX Natural Eye Palette
  • NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Slate (love all of these)
  • NYX Eyeshadow Single in White
  • NYX Eyeshadow Single in Aloha

So far, I love the Purple Smokey Palette a ton. I am pretty much a spokesperson for purple shadow, though. I love everything else as well, just haven't used it as much. I use the White and Aloha singles everyday and this was probably my third or fourth time replacing them.

Other Stuff:

  • Revlon ColorStay Foundation
  • ecotools - Bamboo Bronzer Brush




  • Pink Quilted Train Case (I was going to dish out the cash for the Sephora Brand, but I think this $30 works JUST as well and keeps my stuff from being spread out all over the bathroom counter, which it has been for years.)
  • Ulta Citrus Cream Shower Gel - My free gift

AIGHT, sorry for going on and on. No one will probably read a word of this, which is fine. :)

Mandi

Friday, August 6, 2010

mandizzle in the real world - Bride Casey

I got a note from Casey, a bride I worked with on a custom order a few months ago. She shared some of her beautiful photos...how gorgeous was she. Love her dress (the back is cray cray in a good way) and her hair piece wasn't too shabby either! :)

Thursday, August 5, 2010

A little English Garden Couture

Hi! Today's Daily Dizzle is:

The English Garden Couture Collection #1


So, I have a freakishly vivid memory about most things. That's one of the things that some of my old boyfriends have definitely not enjoyed...I remember every single, solitary detail of the most minute conversation or event that happens. I'm telling you this because I remember creating this piece on a freezing night in February while watching the Cavs play (and get beat by) the Bobcats on a Friday night. I had a bridal show coming up in a few weeks, and I was not expecting to make anything like this...but I guess my basketball frustration was turning into positive creativity, because I really love this piece. I think it's just a whimsical, classic, garden-esque piece. That I love. Yes.


What could you pair the EGCC #1 up with? Here's what I think:


If you're a bride...

Ivory Silk and Chiffon Backless Dress - Holly Stalder on Etsy


Antique Vintage Inspired Chiffon Wedding Dress - bridalblissdesigns on Etsy



If you're attending a wedding or other special occassion...


Matteo Dress in in Blush - Dallin Chase via Bluefly


If you just want something pretty to wear everyday...


Loop Chain Knit Top (High probability that I will buy this top!) - Forever 21



Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in Smoke Wash - J. Crew

Rock Star Sandal in Gold - O'Neill


Rock Candy Nail Polish - essie via The Beauty Clutch

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The Bachelorette: Ali and Roberto Edition

The Bachelorette is over. Dunzo (in my best Kristin Cavallari or Stoibs Laguna Beach voice). Finito (in my best chic from Blaque voice from that scene in Bring it On. Side note - ever notice how ridonkulous that song is by Blaque? The one with JC from *NSYNC (a side, side note - I used to be OB-SESSED with him. I mean, OBSESSED.) Anyway, he actually says "are you feelin' my Timbs', my baggy jeans, my thug appeal." Really? JC Chasez and Thug Appeal. Hmm.)
Sorry, I'm making no sense.

A couple of quick Bachy Bullet Points:
  • I know, I know. I've really been lacking with my BP's this season and it's partly due to the fact that I read the spoilers (kind of accidentally). It just takes the fun out of it. I will be back on track with Bachelor Pad. Please Believe.
  • Ali's family seems really nice and down-to-earth. I really have started to like her a lot more over the season. She is a normal chic who doesn't try too hard like most of the chics out there.
  • Ali looks nothing like any member of her family.
  • It was always pretty obvious that she was going to pick Roberto. I mean he is adorable, and if he is as nice as she claims he is...than best of luck. I'm still skeptical.
  • I think it's great that she went against the producers and let Chris go before the big finale. He seems like a nice guy and I'm sure it was a lot easier than it would have been had he been humiliated after walking up those high stairs.
  • My friend Stephanie made a comment that Ali's hair is always halfway falling out of a ponytail. It's so true. During her breakup with Chris...it was halfway falling out of a ponytail. Again, I like that...makes her a lot more normal.
  • I cried. The rainbow thing made me cry.
  • Will Chris be the next Bach? I don't know. I'm sure someone does, I've been too lazy to Google.
  • Ali's finale dress was REALLY pretty.
  • Roberto sweats A LOT. I would sweat profusely too if I were in 110 degree weather (I just made that up, how do I know how hot it is in Bora Bora?) Anyway, dude is constantly sweating.
  • Cute proposal, more natural than most. Much more natural than "Monkey, will you marry me?" Bleh, gross. We all saw how long that lasted.
  • After The Final Rose - which is normally my favorite part because of the drama, really kind of sucked. Frank didn't show (not surprising), and Ali and Chris were very cordial - which I was happy about. I want to yell at Ali and Roberto and beg them not to move in together. Is it only a matter of 4 months before Ali is on tv calling Roberto a fake liar? Let's hope not. (To rewind, I can't believe I didn't bullet point about the Jake Vienna situation. That WAS AMAZEBALLS!)

Ok, finallly...this has nothing to do with our beloved Bachelorette Ali, but can we talk about how obsessed I am with some of the new OPI Swiss Collection for Fall 2010 which launched just a few days ago? Oh my gosh...truly need these colors:

Diva of Geneva


Glitzerland

Just a little Rosti at this


Lucerne-tainly look Marvelous (MY FAV!)

Ski Teal we Drop

William Tell Me About OPI (My other FAVE)



Ok, sorry for rambling. Sorry for this whole post actually. It doesn't make much sense, but whatevs. :)

Mandi

Mandizzle