Candace Rose

Inspiration & Glamour Via Louis Vuitton

    I'm blessed with a great memory, sometimes it's a blessing, other times it's a curse. I can remember being 4 years old and walking into the now defunct Mervyns with my aunt when I spotted a purse I had to have. At the time I didn't know anything about purchasing items that were counterfeit, (now I don't condone it) I just knew when I saw that brown purse with the Louis Vuitton insignia, my eyes lit up. My aunt caved and well, it was mine. For years it stored my favorite peanut M&M's, strawberry flavored lip gloss and probably some Catholic pamphlets from my grandma ;).

    The other night while browsing the Louis Vuitton website as I so often do, my eyes lit up once again when I spotted this gorgeous image that stopped me in my tracks, just as that purse did twenty plus years earlier and left me speechless. Trust me folks, this isn't easy to do.

Glamorous Chandelier & Louis Vuitton Trunks - Louis Vuitton - Louisvuitton.com

 

On My List Wednesday

 

Hope Santa treated you well and got you everything on YOUR list! ;) Happy last Wednesday of 2010!

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors - Laced Leather Jacket (Luggage) - Nordstrom

Robbi & Nikki Ruffled Corset Tank (Navy) - Nordstrom

 

Vince - Cashmere Turtleneck (Black) - Nordstrom

 

Soft Joie 'Sagittarius' Stripe Tee - Nordstrom

 

Ella Moss - 'Kloe' Tank (Charcoal) - Nordstrom

 

Wildfox - Sparkle Heart Baggy Beach Top - Shopbop

 

  Current/Elliott - The Skinny Jeans (Loved Destroy) - Shopbop

Susana Monaco - Deep Sea Cowl Dress - Shopbop

 

I've come to realize prior to owning dogs (which live in the house), I had a fairly decent collection of shoes. And until my two pesky pups stop chewing on everything in sight, this girl will have to dream...

Jimmy Choo - 'Cosmic' Platform Pump (Black Patent) - Nordstrom

 

and the budget version....

Steve Madden - 'Caryssa' Pump (Black Patent) - Nordstrom

Hearting Hunter Wellies

 

I don't know what's gotten into me today but I can't stop thinking about owning a pair of Hunter Wellington boots. Maybe it's the fact that I scored a cute pair of Bailey Ugg boots for Christmas that I can't wear due to the flooding rain we've experienced as of late in Northern California or the fact that they are uber chic in an irrigation boot type of way? Somebody stop me or talk me into this purchase please! ;)

 

Rachel Bilson in olive green Hunter Wellington boots - Just Jared

 

Robin Thicke's wife Paula Patton in black Hunter Wellies - Just Jared

 

Nicole Richie in distressed jeans and black wellies - Just Jared

 

Mila Kunis in Original Hunter Wellies in black - Just Jared

 

Katherine Heigl in green Hunter Wellies - Just Jared

 

Jim Toth and his girlfriend, Reese Witherspoon.....just in case you couldn't tell ;)

Reese Witherspoon in navy blue Hunter Wellington rain boots - Just Jared

 

Hunter 'Original Tall' Rain Boot (Women) available in new green, black and chocolate  - Nordstrom

  Hunter Boots - Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boots - available in green, aubergine, navy and black - Shopbop

 

Merry Christmas!

Vintage Christmas Ornaments Panoramic, originally uploaded by candy_rose.

I hope you and your family have the Merriest of Christmases. This year I'm especially thankful for YOU, my wonderful readers! Thank you for helping to make my dreams come true and for your continued support. XO Candi

Happy 1st Birthday to my little Francesca

Francesca :), originally uploaded by candy_rose.

    This photo was taken shortly after I brought home my bestest friend, Francesca (aka Franny, Fanny, Fancheshkas, San Francisca, Cesci, Frannybelle.....the list goes on forever) at the age of 8 weeks old! I had wanted a Yorkie for years and last year I finally told myself that I was going to save up to get one. In January I was randomly showing photos to my hairdresser of a Yorkie I'd photographed for a friend when she told me that a friend of hers had a Yorkie who'd had puppies on Christmas day. She had no idea I was looking for one, and that I had almost put a deposit down on a female. When she mentioned Christmas I knew I had to have one as this day holds special meaning to my family and I. When she told me that the fathers name was Ricky, I knew it was meant to be. My Weimaraner, Ricky who was the best dog ever, despite what anyone should say passed away in 2007.

    When I was a little girl my grandma would sing a song to me in Spanish called, "La Panchita." To this day, especially with her declining health, I cling to those happier times and that song makes me think of how strong and independent she once was. Around Easter a few relatives visiting from Southern California (who had no idea that this song reminded me of my grandma) asked me if I knew what they call women named Francesca (Francisca) in Mexico? Little did I know they call them Panchita. When I heard this I got the chills, quite frankly it still shocks me. I love my grandma so much, it brings me joy to know that her name will always have such meaning to me.

When I take Franny places, people fall in love with the fact that she loves everyone! When they ask me her age, they practically melt when they hear she's a Christmas baby! Two weeks ago I came very close to losing my little girl. I'm so thankful she's alive and doing better and that God brought her into my life. Happy 1st Birthday Francesca, my little Panchita, may you be blessed with many, many, many more! :)

Interview: Last Minute Holiday Travel Tips with Travel Expert, Emily Kaufman

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with Travel Expert, Emily Kaufman better known as "The Travel Mom" on last minute holiday travel and staying safe when traveling! You may recognize Ms. Kaufman from her frequent contributions to Good Morning America as well as various news programs and publications. She is also the author of newly released The Travel Mom's Ultimate Book of Family Travel.

The Travel Mom, Emily Kaufman

Candace Rose: What are the latest trends in travel?

Emily Kaufman: The big trend that we are seeing is travel is back and the deals are not going away, just because travel is back. So what we are seeing is a lot of added value offers; things like credits to be used for golf or spa or dining when you are at a property, extra nights free through different hotel chains, lots of deals with cruising because there's so many new cruise ships that were introduced and coming out, lots of of values with cruises and also we're seeing that technology is impacting travel more and more and making it easier and less stressful for everyone. I'll give you an example of what I'm talking about, I travel all the time for work and in my social life and I'm in a lot of different places, so I use YPmobiles app. to help me find what I need wherever I am. I downloaded it to my iPad, you can put it to your iPhone or your blackberry or your other mobile handheld device and it will tell you things like if you need medication, the closest drugstore.

 

Cruises are big this holiday season!

YPmobile for the iPad

YPmobile for the iphone

CR: Why do you think we're seeing more people traveling?

EK: We're seeing more people traveling because the economy is starting to come back, also the deals are out there and the added values are terrific. The last couple years have been really staycations but people are now eager to move ahead and get back to travel.

 

CR: Do you have any flying tips before you board the plane?

EK: I do, so many people have gotten headaches lately over the TSA. I just want to remind everyone that the whole goal for TSA is to keep us safe and while it may not be exactly what we want, we've got to be patient and got to go through the security line because that's what it takes to keep us all safe. You know there are a lot of aches and pains that go along with trvel that are not just headache related to TSA, I'm somebody that does get aches and pains and nearly 75% of all other people that were surveyed do, so I've started using something called Thermacare HeatWraps. You put them on under your clothes, trouble spots like your lower back or neck. You get this deep penetrating heat that soothes your muscles and joints and it's more effective than the maximum does of acetaminophen, so thermacare.com is a great thing to turn to. I also want to mention to people bedbugs were a huge story over the last year and I've started to travel with something called "Stop Bugging Me" and what it is it's 100% effective at killing bedbugs and their eggs, it's also environmentally friendly, non toxic, comes in a travel size, so you can take it with you, spray all those surfaces that you might come in contact with like mattresses or floorboards. You can buy it at stopbuggingme.com.

ThermaCare Heat Wraps are perfect to treat sore muscles when traveling!

 

Thermacare

Beware of bedbugs when traveling!

Stop Bugging Me - stopbuggingme.com

CR: Traveling can be hectic, especially during the holidays, do you have any tips on handling travel delays:

EK: I do, right now with the weather and the crowds we are expected, there will be bumps along the road, so make technology your travel companion. When you purchase your plane ticket, whether it's online or through the airline or directly through an online travel agency, proactively register so you can be alerted via text message or email about the travel delays, also bring along your patience, it is to be expected that it's going to be chaotic at this time of year. I tossed a lot of information, Candace about a lot of different things and all of it is in one place at yournewscafe.com.

 

On My List Wednesday

 

Hope your holiday shopping is done or at least close to being done! Happy Wednesday! :)

Heather by Bordeaux Cowl Neck Sweater - Nordstrom

 

Parker Embellished Silk Tunic - Nordstrom

 

I LOVE this shade of blue! It looks great on everyone!

Robbi & Nikki Ruffled Top (ocean) - Nordstrom

 

 

Splendid  Stripe Dolman Sleeve Tee - Nordstrom

 

ROSSMORE. Cut Heart Necklace - Planet Blue

 

WGACA Vintage Chanel 80's Wide Cuff - Shopbop

 

A Very Plum Christmas

As a kid, EVERYTHING had to be purple. I don't know how many times I begged and pleaded with my mom to take down my old fashioned, dainty, pink wallpaper for a plum room, but she never budged. I'm pretty sure if I'd seen these images growing up, the little entrepreneur in me would have bartered our Christmas decor for something in this color combo!

 

Lovely display of plum and orange for the Christmas holiday!

Visions of Sugarplums - Traditional Home

This tree adorned in various shades of purple just screams CANDI! :)

Visions of Sugarplums - Traditional Home

Love! I'm especially jealous that they have a dog who sits in front of the tree and doesn't try to climb it ;)

Visions of Sugarplums - Traditional Home

 

I would love, love, love to own a "Greek Key" rug. This hand tufted one made of wool and silk is absolutely divine!

Area rug (“Greek Key Rug,” hand-tufted #CHRUG.GK): Christopher Hyland Inc., 212/688-6121, christopherhyland.com. - Visions of Sugarplums - Traditional Home

 

For more information and to see more images, be sure and visit Traditional Home

 

Designer, Marlaina Teich + Fox & Friends Christmas Set

Congrats to our friend, highly acclaimed Interior Designer, Marlaina Teich on being the "set designer" of Fox Networks, Fox & Friends this week! Here are a few images of the beautiful Christmas inspired set. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

 

 

Interview: Stocking Stuffers with Lifestyle Expert, Amy Sewell

Tuesday morning I had the pleasure of speaking with Amy Sewell of Shopwithstyle.net on how to find the perfect stocking stuffers for kids, teens and adults! With over a decade of experience in the lifestyle industry, Ms. Sewell is a trusted source who is featured regularly on NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CW, CNN, Bravo and Oxygen networks.

Amy Sewell - Shopwithstyle.net

 

Candace Rose: What are some great stocking stuffers for kids?

Amy Sewell: Well, I think video games are really awesome stocking stuffers for kids of all ages, actually. Starting off with the new Toy Story 3, the video game. Now I absolutely love this game, anyone who is a fan of Buzz and Woody will certainly love this game and this is a game that you can find on all the major platforms for gaming but the playstation 3 version lets you become the Evil Emperor Zurg. You can play as any of your favorite characters and what I love about this game is that you can really get in and customize the game and create your own Toy Story. It's just really fun, again, it's for kids of all ages!

 

Toy Story 3 The Video Game (Playstation 3 Version) - Amazon.com

For who kids who love Star Wars, "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is a new video game that really lets people get in and become part of that Star Wars Universe. It features over the top force powers and really lets them get in and kind of do their own damage. So, it's really great, interactive for kids of all ages, you can also find this on all the major game platforms including the Xbox 360 and the Platform Playstation 3.

 

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II

CR: Teens can be really hard to shop for, do you have any tips on finding the perfect stocking stuffer for them?

AS: Just really think about their interests and if you really can't think about the specific gift at least you know where they shop and the type of things that they like, get them gift cards. I think those are awesome gifts, also any type of gadget, teenagers love gadgets, kids do as well, and basically anything that has a battery in it. 91% of people this year say that they're going to give a gift that requires batteries and that can be toys, that can be gadgets, pretty much anything across the board. One thing you want to remember if you do give gadgets or toys like that, make sure that you get the right batteries that you need. Rayovac this year has a guide on their website which tells you exactly what you need for the hottest toys of the season, so that's a great list that you can take with you. Print it out, take it with you to the stores and make sure you stock up on things. Another thing, we're talking about gadgets, a lot of peoplw will be getting eReaders this year, like iPads. And one gift that I love is actually FREE! If someone has an iPad, a Mac or a PC, you can actually set them up with a free account on a site called TheCopia.Com. What this site does is this combines eReading with social media which is really perfect for teenagers and for anyone who loves to read. What you do is you download the books and you can connect with other people who enjoy reading the same authors and the same books, so it's a really great way to interact with people and really just build that community around the interests and the authors that you like.

 

Copia - TheCopia.com

 

CR: Any stocking stuffer ideas for adults?

AS: Well, of course a lot of people are doing gadgets which is always a very popular thin. Well, one thing that I think is kind of an out of the box thing for a gift would be an all inclusive vacation. Who wouldn't like to get a vacation, particularly after the holidays are over? People are very stressed out, there's a lot going on and it's nice to just have a little downtime to look forward to and you can actually give a vacation to an upscale hotel in the Riviera Maya in Mexico for only $147 per person, per night. Now this includes everything, this is gourmet meals, you have activities for kids, it even includes all of your drinks. I think this would be a really great gift for the entire family. The Iberostar Paraiso Beach (Paradise Beach) would be really perfect for that and it gives everyone something to look forward to long after the holidays are over. They say that the anticipation of a vacation is just as important as the trip itself, this would really give someone something really lovely to look forward to into 2011.

 

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts - Iberostar

CR: And how would a family find out about a deal like that: 

AS: Well, if you go to Iberostar's website which is Iberostar.com, you can find out information about the properties. This particular one, the Iberostar Paraiso is great, they do have a lot of programs for the kids, they have huge pools, there are these giant interconnecting pools and just a lot of really great activities. All-inclusive vacations are nice because you know in advance how much you're going to be paying. You're not having to constantly reach for your wallet, this way it makes it a lot easier to budget for a vacation like that, if you know exactly what it's going to cost in advance.

CR: Do you have any tips on finding last minute gifts?

AS: Well, really thinkg about the interests of the people that you're shopping for, again you may not know exactly the product that they would want, but gifts cards are always great. What I like to do with gift cards is really present them in an interesting mnner, really great gift box or gift bag, you know, wrap it up in something. Manybe have another gift that you want to wrap that up in and it's just a really nice way to let them know that you've put a lot of thought into it. You know  a lot of people think gift cards may not be all that personal but I think that could be one of the most personal gifts that you give, if you've really thought about where they shop and what their interests are, and take the time to present it in a really thoughtful way.

 

Make my gift card to Nordstrom please (in the largest amount possible ;) ) - Nordstrom

 

CR: Where are your favorite places to shop this holiday season?

AS: I love to shop online, that's really where I do most of my shopping. I love buying books and video games for people. I have two nephews that if something has Buzz Lightyear on it or Spiderman on it, it's a great gift. I end up doing a lot of that as well and I also have a drawer, the battery drawer for all the gadgets and things that we have because you don't want to be caught short. You don't want to be having to run out at the last minute to buy those when you have kids waiting to use their new toys on Christmas morning.

 

CR: Where can we go for more information?

AS: You can take a look at my website, which is shopwithstyle.net

 

Many thanks to Ms. Amy Sewell for sharing her great stocking stuffer tips for kids from 1 - 92! If there's one tip to take from this interview it's to be prepared and stock up on those batteries. You don't want unhappy kids (or adults) on Christmas morning when they can't play or try out their new gifts from Santa!

 

 

Etsy: Candace Rose Photo Newbies!

Here are a few of my latest from my etsy shop, I hope you love them as much as I do! :) They make great presents and you still have time to get them to loved ones before the Christmas holiday! 

 

Vintage Turquoise Wheelbarrow & Pink Hydrangeas - Fine Art 8 x 10 Photography Print - Candace Rose - Dolcechic.etsy.com

 

Dock The Halls - Fine Art 8 x 10 Photography Print Candace Rose - Dolcechic.etsy.com

 

Vintage Inspired Christmas Candy - Fine Art 8 x 10 Photography Print - Candace Rose - Dolcechic.etsy.com

 

Canadian Honker Geese & Sandhill Cranes Harvested Corn field - Fine Art 8 x 10 Photography Print - Candace Rose - Dolcechic.etsy.com

 

Persimmon Tree Branches - Fine Art 8 x 10 Photography Print - Candace Rose - Dolcechic.etsy.com

 

Bright & Beautiful Vintage Christmas Ornaments Blank Christmas Greeting Cards (Set of 6) - Candace Rose - Dolcechic.etsy.com

 

Turquoise Beach Cruiser Among The Pink Hydrangeas - Fine Art 8 x 10 Photography Print- Candace Rose Dolcechic.etsy.com 

Images are available in other sizes and photo note cards! Please visit Dolcechic.etsy.com as I have more than 75 different prints available :) Thank you for your support!

On My List - Allposters.com

A few weeks ago I was approached by the fine folks at Allposters.com about trying their service. As someone who has never purchased artwork online other than those created by handmade artists on etsy, I was eager to give them a shot! I was sent a beautiful canvas print from their french collection and given $100 to spend on gifts by Chief Marketing Officer of Art.com & AllPosters.com, Andrew Wait. While I won't showcase what I purchased for the people on my list as Christmas is still a week away, I will share some personal favorites I'm sure to purchase in the new year! 

 

I fell in love with this print at Robert Mondavi's Woodbridge Winery at my photography sale a few months ago, and have been eyeing it ever since. I think it's gorgeous and I love the message "It'll Cost Nothing To Dream And Everything Not To"

Nothing to Dream by Rodney White - AllPosters.com

 

Cote d'Azur by Jean-Gabriel Domergue - AllPosters.com

 

San Francisco is such a gorgeous city, I can only imagine what it was like when this vintage poster was originally released!

The Lindbergh Line, San Francisco, California - AllPosters.com

 

His Girl Friday is one of my favorite movies and I <3 Cary Grant!

His Girl Friday, 1940 Giclee Print - AllPosters.com

 

AllPosters.com has over 850,000 images organized by category, there's something for everyone and framing is available at an additional charge. Did you know they carry clothing as well? Neither did I! At Photostoart.com you can transform personal digital photos into canvas, wood or acrylic prints! I've always wanted to transfer one of my prints to wood, now if only I could choose which one????? ;)

I hope you get a chance to try out their service, I'm thrilled with my purchases, I know you will be too :)

 

And an added bonus, please enjoy 20% off your entire purchase with code 4YOU252, coupon code expires 12/16/2010 Happy Shopping!

First Christmas Fashionistas 2010

As I mentioned in last year's First Christmas Fashionistas post, I firmly believe baby girls are never too young to dress as chic as possible, I just wish they made them in Francesca's size. ;( 

 

Sweet Heart Rose Embroidered Flower Dress (Infant) - Nordstrom

 

US Angels Organza Dress with Corsage Sash (Infant) - Nordstrom

Halabaloo 'Rose Bouquet' Dress (Infant) - Nordstrom

 

I think this would be gorgeous worn at a wedding!

US Angels 'Ballerina' Dress (Infant) - Nordstrom

 

LOVE this dress!!!

Mimi & Maggie Holiday Roses Dress - Tutti Bella

I would totally wear this bolero...too bad I'm over the age of 1!

US ANGELS Cap Sleeve Satin Bolero (Infant) - Nordstrom

 

Mack & Co. Ruffle Front Fleece Coat - Nordstrom

So cute. It reminds me of something my grandma Maggie would like. :)

Mimi & MAGGIE Natural Winter Garland Cardigan - Tutti Bella

 

And if you're spending the holidays somewhere tropical, I think this adorable bikini will do ;)

Kate Mack Floral Swimsuit (Infant) - Nordstrom

 

 

 

Traditional Home: A Boston Christmas

I am just loving these holiday inspired images from Boston's Beacon Hill via Traditional Home! Happy Monday!!!

 

 


I love the festive look of winterberries in a vase! Traditional Home

 

Loving this Christmas tree. Don't get me wrong, I love my hyperactive puppy, Freddy boy but it's thanks to him, we can't have a real Christmas tree. Oh how I miss the smell of fresh pine. I guess this gorgeous image will have to do :)

How I envision Christmas morning! - Traditional Home

 

I am loving the Christmas wreathes on the windows!

Gorgeous dining room table - Traditional Home

 

Pretty roses!

Traditional Home

 

Soooo pretty!

Beautiful Christmas wreath - Traditional Home

 

Can you tell I love Christmas wreathes?! :) Traditional Home

 

I don't know about you, but I absolutely LOVE black doors with gold hardware. Absolutely stunning! And the wreath just adds to the beauty :)

Traditional Home

 

Reindeer with fur stole

Traditional Home

Interview: Holiday Beauty & Style Trends With Sought After Expert, Lilliana Vazquez

Last week I had the fabulous opportunity to learn the biggest fashion and beauty trends for the holiday season with Cheap Chica's Guide to Style founder, Lilliana Vazquez, who can be seen regularly on NBC, ABC, Better TV, QVC, The Shopping Channel, Univision, WE Women's Entertainment and The Style Network. She has also been featured in Lucky, Women’s Wear Daily, Marie Claire, Glamour, Philly Style, Accessories Magazine, The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Latina, First, Better Homes and Gardens, and Daily Candy.

Lilliana Vazquez - image via twitter

Candace Rose: What are the biggest fashion trends this holiday season?

Lilliana Vazquez: This season for me, I've noticed that it's all about color and it doesn't have to be red and green just because it's Christmas, it's all about really vivacious bold color. I love coral, I'm also loving metallics. You want to do them in small doses, you don't want to look like a disco ball and show up in a dress covered in sequins, so think about it in small doses like a great sequin tank top, maybe a sequin belt or even like sequin accessories - sparkly shoes, sparkly bags look great during the holidays.

 

My coveted YSL ring now comes in coral....

Yves Saint Lauren Arty Glass Ring (coral) - Net-A-Porter

A beautiful sequin tank...

Eileen Fisher Pailette Merino Wool Shell - Nordstrom

These beautiful sparkly shoes have been on my list...

Miu Miu Glitter-finish pumps - Net-A-Porter

CR: What about jewelry? What's big this season?

LV: Well, for jewelry I think go big or go home. I love a great statement necklace because if you wear one bold piece, you don't have to wear anything else. For example I'm wearing a super casual sweater, but I've got on this great statement necklace (see below). No earrings, no bracelets, it's really one piece and that's all that you really need to make any outfit really updated and really festive.

 

Lilliana's Statement Necklace

 

Loving this Statement Necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane...

Kenneth Jay Lane - Flat Disc Necklace in Gold - Revolve Clothing

 

CR: So if you're wearing a big statement piece, you should tone down on your shoes and the handbag?

LV: Yeah, I think you can go bold on shoes just because there's such a huge distance between your neck and your feet, but I say for everything else keep it really simple. Make sure the line of the dress is really simple, you may want to go for more muted color because you really want to let the necklace be its own statement piece.

 

A simple dress in a muted color....

Obakki Raglan Fleece Dress (Dove grey) - Shopbop

 

Love...

Christian Louboutin - Big Lips 120 suede pumps - Net-A-Porter

 

CR: Where are the best places to shop on a budget?

LV:  If you're on a budget I always say search the web. It's where you're going to find great deals, sometimes a store might have 30% off online but that sale doesn't actually exist at the mall, so you could be saving a fortune just by spending online and off price retailers are one of the best places to shop. If you're looking for beauty products, one of my absolute favorite budget buys is Jafra Cosmetics. They make some amazing products for your body, but my absolute favorite one is this year is actually their City Lights makeup compact. The reason I love it so much is because it has everything you need all in one. It's got great eyeshadows, a great lipstick and it's really convenient, you can just throw it in your bag and you're ready to do your face up for whatever holiday party you might have that night.

 

City Lights by Jafra Cosmetics

City Lights Eyeshadow - Jafra Cosmetics

CR: How can we take time to pamper ourselves during the hustle and bustle of the holidays?

LV: I think taking time to yourself is really important, don't get really stressed out, maybe shop alone one day instead of bringing the kids along and also pamper yourself by taking care of your skin. People don't realize how important taking care of your skin is and one of my favorite products to keep your skin hydrated all winter long is actually Vaseline petroleum jelly. I love it because it is so inexpensive and it serves so many purposes in your beauty cabinet. You can use it to keep your lips moist, you can use it to create dewy eyeshadows, you can use it as a highlighter on your cheekbones, you can even use it to make flavored lipglosses. The uses are endless and what's great is that they just introduced their brand new variant, it's called Cocoa Butter. It smells amazing and it also comes in a flip-top jar which makes it really, really easy to use and the company's been around for 140 years. It's their 140th anniversary so they're asking people to log onto their facebook page which is http://facebook.com/vaseline and share their #1 use for this product and you could win exclusive prizes, like this great swarovski crystal vaseline jar or gift cards.

 

Swarovski Crystal Vaseline jar

CR: What are the latest styles in makeup?

LV: Well, I think this season you kind of have to choose between eyes and lips, so if you want to do a really dramatic eye with a couple of fake lashes sprinkled in, you want to keep the lips kind of muted. Using a lip stain is acutally a really great way to accomplish that look, but if you want to really play up your lips and play up your smile go for a really bold pink instead of red this season. Red is pretty traditional but that bright, intense fuschia that you saw all over the runways, even coral are really the colors of the season when it comes to lips.

 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lip Color SPF 15 (No 7 Le Fuschia) - Nordstrom

 

CR: Maintaining a healthy weight can be hard during this time of the year, do you have any tips on eating right when you are out and about?

LV: Absolutely, during the holidays it's all about moderation and making the right choices and one of the best choices that every person can make is starting their day with breakfast. I like to start my day with Special K just because it's a really easy way for me to keep on top of my weight management goals. Throughout the holidays we all tend to overindulge a little bit, so I say wear your favorite jeans to see if you're keeping on track and the reason I say that is twofold, first is Special K did a study that shows that 79% of women actually use their jeans as a barometer to test whether or not they're staying on track on their weight management program. It's amazing because jeans are so easy to wear for the holidays, you can totally dress them down. I've got on a really cozy sweater right now, and threw on that statement necklace but I paired it with really dark skinny jeans which totally makes the outfit work but if you have a more formal occasion, you can still wear the same pair of jeans and just throw on a sparkly top or a great little jacket or fur bollero to dress the jeans up for a more festive occasion.

 

A bowl of Special K to start your day!

Loving this faux fur Bollero!

Kenna-T Faux Fur Shrug - Nordstrom

 

CR: Do you have any final tips?

LV: For the holidays look in your own closet before you hit the malls, people are on a budget this year and you don't have to buy ten new outfits for ten different parties. Try to rework a lot of the pieces that you already have in your closet to save yourself money and to save yourself the headache from going to the mall during the holidays. And you can also get great glam tips at stylewhiz.com

 

Many thanks to Style Guru, Lilliana Vazquez for sharing her fab tips for the holidays! Be sure and follow her on twitter and at Cheap Chicas!